Please help identify this A/C unit.

[prostreetC-10]

So my next door neighbor tells me he dragging home a free '70 C-20 that hasn't ran for 15 years. Is mom-in-law just gave it to him. Was a farm truck and always parked in the barn. Virtually NO rust. Killer patina. Speedo says 49*** and we are thinking that's actual given it's history. I come walking down the sidewalk and the first thing I notice is "8-400" on the fender. Yep, he got himself a factory 396 truck. Extremely complete and unmollied.

Here is the stumper: It has A/C that isn't factory (not an A/C cab). What we are trying to figure out is if it could be a dealer installed item or completely aftermarket. The engine part looks pretty stock but in the cab looks like A$$. The unit doesn't sit flush because the air box is so big in the cab and has to be pointed almost straight up. The compressor bracket is huge and has TWO idler pulleys that you can barely see in the pic. What do you think it is? Thanks!

[67ChevyRedneck]

That looks very similar to the Tecumseh Compressor that was used in my Mustang.

That *almost* looks like a 60's Ford under dash unit (a factory Ford unit would have a ford badge somewhere on the front)

Definitely cobbled together from another vehicle or very old aftermarket.

Pics of my mustang factory air unit here:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=526257

[prostreetC-10]

I probably should look on the compressor for a name or numbers. Thanks!

[Davidf]

Also, could be a York compressor. Definitely rip all that crap out and if you need a/c go with Vintage Air or Old Air Products.

[67ChevyRedneck]

Originally Posted by Davidf

Also, could be a York compressor. Definitely rip all that crap out and if you need a/c go with Vintage Air or Old Air Products.

Good catch... not sure what I was thinking... my compressor was a York.

The system died and it was going to cost at least $800 for all the parts it needed - 65 mustang A/C systems don't have safety switches to turn off the compressor... got low on coolant/oil and compressor started knocking something awful... so I want with a complete Vintage Air kit.

[prostreetC-10]

He is going to take it out and leave it out. Just going to be a cool hauling machine. The question was to try and determine if there was resale value to raise funds for other areas of the truck. I know when I converted my BBC to long water pump, I got a small fortune for all the brackets and pulleys.

[diceman50]

Don't give up on that old unit too quickly. I wanted a nostalgic looking unit for my 1958 Apache so I bought a unit similar to yours on EBay and ended up with a very nice air conditioner for cheap. The compressor turned smoothly by hand and I was able feel pressure on the outlet and suction on the inlet so I drained the oil out of it and replaced it with ester oil. I then purchased a new 134a expansion valve , filter/dryer, and hoses. I would add a safety switch if it doesn't have one. If the compressor is good you should be able to get it running for $200 or less. Those old units cool better than the new behind dash units because they have a larger evaporator. You might want to blow the evaporator coil out very well. Mine was full of dirt, leaves, and cellophane cigarette wrappers.

[F.A.A.benny]

The York is aluminum and the Tecumseh is cast iron. That is an old aftermarket kit. Not much value to those. Price wise, anywhere up to $200 but that's pushing it. $50-100 might be more realistic. Most guys want to go with new when going with aftermarket. Its definitely no Ford, as far the underdash is concerned. Its probably a good system if refurbished for ac on the cheap

[mike16]

Originally Posted by diceman50

Don't give up on that old unit too quickly. I wanted a nostalgic looking unit for my 1958 Apache so I bought a unit similar to yours on EBay and ended up with a very nice air conditioner for cheap. The compressor turned smoothly by hand and I was able feel pressure on the outlet and suction on the inlet so I drained the oil out of it and replaced it with ester oil. I then purchased a new 134a expansion valve , filter/dryer, and hoses. I would add a safety switch if it doesn't have one. If the compressor is good you should be able to get it running for $200 or less. Those old units cool better than the new behind dash units because they have a larger evaporator. You might want to blow the evaporator coil out very well. Mine was full of dirt, leaves, and cellophane cigarette wrappers.

I agree!. I have a complete set up on my 68k20. doe not work now but its all there and intact. Very basic

[turp mcspray]

Prostreetc-10....I thought for sure Bigfoot must have gotten you, while you were out hunting, and took you back to his hideout, to make you his beyatch! Glad to see you back on the board!

[volksworld]

back in the day dealers did install aftermarket air (usually not very well,either)

[vettedrvr]

Originally Posted by prostreetC-10

So my next door neighbor tells me he dragging home a free '70 C-20 that hasn't ran for 15 years. Is mom-in-law just gave it to him. Was a farm truck and always parked in the barn. Virtually NO rust. Killer patina. Speedo says 49*** and we are thinking that's actual given it's history. I come walking down the sidewalk and the first thing I notice is "8-400" on the fender. Yep, he got himself a factory 396 truck. Extremely complete and unmollied.

Here is the stumper: It has A/C that isn't factory (not an A/C cab). What we are trying to figure out is if it could be a dealer installed item or completely aftermarket. The engine part looks pretty stock but in the cab looks like A$$. The unit doesn't sit flush because the air box is so big in the cab and has to be pointed almost straight up. The compressor bracket is huge and has TWO idler pulleys that you can barely see in the pic. What do you think it is? Thanks!

Your unmollified truck has a York aftermarket AC installed in it. York used the FORD ac compressors used in F100's, Rustangs, Falcoons etc and that comp, if you choose to keep it is still available from parts geek and other highway robbers for about $150.00. I would rip all of that stuff out, however and put in a good aftermarket hidden system like vintage air.

[F.A.A.benny]

Originally Posted by vettedrvr

Your unmollified truck has a York aftermarket AC installed in it. York used the FORD ac compressors used in F100's, Rustangs, Falcoons etc and that comp, if you choose to keep it is still available from parts geek and other highway robbers for about $150.00. I would rip all of that stuff out, however and put in a good aftermarket hidden system like vintage air.

That's not a York. Its a Tecumseh compressor

[vettedrvr]

Originally Posted by F.A.A.benny

That's not a York. Its a Tecumseh compressor

York didn't build compressors, they bought them from Ford. They looked like the one in the picture below. It is from a Ford F100 for 1963 to 1967. Ford, by the way, didn't build AC compressors either. They subcontracted their compressors to several vendors including Tecumseh.

[F.A.A.benny]

The compressor in the op's pics is a cast iron compressor. Tecumseh compressors were cast iron. The one you posted is aluminum. That's all I was pointing out.

[prostreetC-10]

Originally Posted by turp mcspray

Prostreetc-10....I thought for sure Bigfoot must have gotten you, while you were out hunting, and took you back to his hideout, to make you his beyatch! Glad to see you back on the board!

MY truck and I parted ways and it really took the wind out of my sail. Moved on to a motorhome and dirt bikes. Only hurts every now and then. I have a new spring in my step though because my neighbor can't even find where the spark plugs go and I am looking forward to helping him get this running after 15 yrs of not moving. Oil looks great but the gas and coolant are pretty bad. Going to take this from the top and do all the safeguards to make sure we don't have a ring stuck to a wall or anything seized. Will be fun and I'm good at spending other people's money.

As for the compressor, thanks a ton guys and that's the info I needed!!

[RichardJ]

I always thought Tecumseh compressors are cast iron, and York compressors are aluminum.

[F.A.A.benny]

Originally Posted by RichardJ

I always thought Tecumseh compressors are cast iron, and York compressors are aluminum.

Me too.

[Chucks72Longbed]

It's a piston style compressor. Horsepower robbing machine in my opinion. I've owned several and would turn it off when passing just to get some power.

[cooperhw]

It's an old POS dealer or shop add on air unit. I have one in my backyard that I pulled out of my 68. Just have not made it to the scrap yard lately. As to value, Nada. If it was 10 miles away and free I would pass. Matter of fact if anybody needed/wanted the one out of my 68 they could have it for shipping/packaging costs, but, not worth it.

[prostreetC-10]

It is, in fact, a Tecumseh.