AC condenser

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gcrump01

gcrump01

10 Year
Joined
Jan 20, 2012
Threads
129
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1,487
Location
Georgia
Is there a specific aftermarket AC condenser that will fit a 1980 FJ40? Or should I buy a generic one and make my own brackets to mount it?

I have the under dash parts of an AC system made by Clardy Mfg - an old dealer installed option, I believe. New AC compressor is installed. Time to complete the puzzle.
 
Measure and order a generic. It will be cheaper. The brackets are just some thin steel strapping screwed to the radiator support. My 40 started overheating as soon as I mounted the condenser in front of the radiator. Never overheated until I did that. I called Vintage Air and they advised that they always get a 10 percent loss of engine cooling when the condenser is mounted. They also said to get the condenser as close to the radiator as possible.
 
gcrump01 said:
This is the condenser that comes with the Nostalgic Air kit for the FJ40

Nostalgic AC - Aftermarket Air Conditioning For Automobiles

I'll check the dimensions tonight, but 14 x 20 overall with 13 x 18 core sounds about right. I'll make sure to mount it as close as possible to the radiator. I was a little worried anyway with how much room I would have between the radiator & bib.

Thanks for the advice.
Click to expand...
I know this thread is old but I may need some advice on adding AC to my 80. Thanks
 
I have most of the factory air components for my 83 in a box somewhere. I can take measurements of the condenser if that’s what you need?
 
My truck came with factory air and the radiator is larger than the stock radiator. For that matter many of the components are slightly different when you have factory AC...but I dont think trucks with dealer installed AC made these upgrades. For example my battery tray is different, its set further back.

Here is a photo of the OEM condenser, I bought a spare years ago.

Radiator Part # 16400-49356
Radiator Part # (with AC) 16400-61030

1925201


1925203
 
When I pieced my system together, I used a jeep something condenser I got on ebay for cheap. I made a couple of brackets to mount it to the front of the radiator. The brackets are just flat plates (1/8 bar stock) connected to the radiator support with countersunk screws, the plates extend out an inch or so on each side of the radiator support and the condenser mounts to those plates using the rubber isolators. It is a tight fit. I remember there was an interference with the TOYOTA emblem mounting bolts, can't remember how I addressed it tho.

I have the factory AC radiator that was re-cored by a local shop. I have a 3fe with no overheating issues.

condenser.webp
 
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AutaviaFJ40 said:
My truck came with factory air and the radiator is larger than the stock radiator. For that matter many of the components are slightly different when you have factory AC...but I dont think trucks with dealer installed AC made these upgrades. For example my battery tray is different, its set further back.

Here is a photo of the OEM condenser, I bought a spare years ago.

Radiator Part # 16400-49356
Radiator Part # (with AC) 16400-61030

View attachment 1925201

View attachment 1925203
Click to expand...
Do you have the OEM condenser part number?
 
speaking of AC...mine stopped working today...and I found this. Two blown fuses and a melted cover.
The AC acted strange earlier in the day, then later after sitting for half the day, started her up with the AC on and after a few seconds it died. Just old wiring or should I be looking for a cause?

IMG_0251.webp


IMG_2700.webp


IMG_9053.webp
 
The one with the white cover can see how the end of the fuse is burned. That is a sign of resistance at that area. Old wire loose in the crimp very possible the cause. Would redo the fuse holders on both and give it a try.
 
Living in the Past said:
The one with the white cover can see how the end of the fuse is burned. That is a sign of resistance at that area. Old wire loose in the crimp very possible the cause. Would redo the fuse holders on both and give it a try.
Click to expand...

Thanks, I'll try replacing. The white holder has what looks like a 5A fuse and the two fuse black holder has a 15A.

Can anyone confirm if these are the correct fuses?
 
The fuses in the black holder are for the ammeter, they should be 5A.
 
73tlcv8 said:
The fuses in the black holder are for the ammeter, they should be 5A.
Click to expand...

Sorry had that backwards. 5a in black holder and 15a in white
 
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These fuses are just slightly shorter than the stock fuses every auto parts store carries. The new 5A fuses in particular are about 1/8" too long for the black holder. Searching for slightly shorter fuses that will fit
 
DougAustinTx said:
Measure and order a generic. It will be cheaper. The brackets are just some thin steel strapping screwed to the radiator support. My 40 started overheating as soon as I mounted the condenser in front of the radiator. Never overheated until I did that. I called Vintage Air and they advised that they always get a 10 percent loss of engine cooling when the condenser is mounted. They also said to get the condenser as close to the radiator as possible.
Click to expand...
I know old thread but just in case someone happens along, I have an aftermarket AC on my 78 FJ40 with the condenser in front of the radiator. All perfect with around town driving but once I hit the highway at say 60mph it starts to heat up. Haven't run it on the highway at that speed long enough to see if it would ultimately overheat but assuming it's because the radiator isn't getting enough flow through the front and at that speed the fan isn't getting it enough from the rear. Vehicle is fairly new to me, ie 6 mos, so will see if I can maybe move the condenser closer to the radiator. Pretty sure it's flush though.
 
Factory AC utilizes a different radiator in addition to the condenser
 
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