anyone ever retrofit a/c into a non a/c cruiser?

[saint60]

my fj60 was one that came w/o the a/c option. it has a 350. it is currently up for sale and because it was originally built up for strictly wheeling purposes. now that the family is expanding i'm itching to have a more "posh" cruiser. i am itching to do a vortec swap into a 60 series. The thing is that since my cruiser already has a V8 i could essentially put a vortec in with way less work, but i want a/c. how could i make this work if i choose to go this route? thanks for your help.

 

[swank60]

I'd contact cruiserparts.net and get some of the basic stuff (what goes under the dash, the mount for the dryer, the condensor that goes in front of the radiator) and then get a GM compressor, find a gooc AC shop and have them custom make you all of the rubber lines that go to the condensor, the evaporator and the dryer.

 

[saint60]

so it is very possible and not to difficult then?

 

[cruiser_guy]

I did my BJ60 a couple of years ago. Every shop will tell you it can't be done but my BJ60 is proof that it can! You will need the under dash evaporator, a different fan relay (A/C equpped trucks need a relay that powers the A/C once the fan is on) to plug in the white/brown wire that currently is NOT connected, the A/C condensor and then whatever compressor the GM engine uses and custom hoses. You'll need to mess around with a signal from the coil/distributor to get the engine and A/C talking though or the A/C WON'T know the engine is on.
The other option is to PM me and I can set you up with a diesel A/C amplifier that doesn't need an engine signal to work.

 

[jmarsh1977]

Yes, did mine last year

I switched the r12 to R134a when the A/C went kaput. They replaced nearly everything...amplifier, dryer, evap, blower motor etc, receiver, etc. Cost around $1,300. Cheaper aftermarket fan has a slight whine to it. It won't get as cold as the r12 both it's cheaper on refills. The stock and new setup have never been up to par for the FL heat though. I wish USA models had the second A/C units like the ones in Oz. Spector has the non-USA parts but I haven't looked at the chassis manual closely to see how they route everything.

Joe Marsh
TLCA Member #7481
1988 FJ62, 1971 FJ40
St. Petersburg, FL