FJ40 AC Unit that doesn't require removal of OEM heater box (1 Viewer)

[ElephantRebel]

Hello,

Is there an AC unit that doesn't require one removing the stock heater box from underneath the console. From searching the forums, I've found the vintage air one but that seems like I'd have to remove the heater box. Cool Crusers of Texas looks like they used to make a unit that only sat underneath the passenger side globe box, which would be perfect but sadly they no longer make it. Would anyone know if anyone picked up the mantle and made units like this anymore?


CCOT Example: Air Conditioning: - https://www.coolcruisers.com/aircon.html

I found another image in the forums but unless I missed it, I couldn't identify it: FJ40 Air Conditioning choices Vintage Air or CCOT - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/fj40-air-conditioning-choices-vintage-air-or-ccot.218136/page-9

 

[charliemeyer007]

So back in 84 I put a large heater with a fan (from a 17 place chevy van) behind my front seats in a custom wood box. If I wanted AC I would the unit on top of the heater and use some flexible ducting to route some of the cold air forward. I would do the AC like my heaters - I can drive around my AO in -30 with the windows down in shorts and a tee shirt. I once let it warm up for like 30 minutes, it was 165 in the cab.

 

[Engineer8000]

I have an aftermarket evaporator unit that was from back in the day that takes the place of the heater duct. Works pretty good, great for defroster/defogger operation. I paired it with the AC compressor I got with the 3FE and a NOS condenser from a Jeep. I will be selling this one since I now have a new OEM evaporator and controller.

 

[Trollhole]

Nostalgic AC - Evaporator Units - https://nostalgicac.com/evaporator-units.html They have lots of options on evaporators. Quite a few that look like the OEM units. We used to use their fj40 kit back in the day but the defrost setup was not ideal. Now all we install is vintage air. If you really want A/C that will work in a 40 Vintage air is really the best option that really doesn't require mods. You will lose your oem heater. But you will gain a beast of an A/C system.

 

[Skreddy]

Hello,

Is there an AC unit that doesn't require one removing the stock heater box from underneath the console. From searching the forums, I've found the vintage air one but that seems like I'd have to remove the heater box. Cool Crusers of Texas looks like they used to make a unit that only sat underneath the passenger side globe box, which would be perfect but sadly they no longer make it. Would anyone know if anyone picked up the mantle and made units like this anymore?


CCOT Example: Air Conditioning: - https://www.coolcruisers.com/aircon.html

I found another image in the forums but unless I missed it, I couldn't identify it: FJ40 Air Conditioning choices Vintage Air or CCOT - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/fj40-air-conditioning-choices-vintage-air-or-ccot.218136/page-9

What year? I have one that fits around the later heaters with the top vent. Mine is a 1970 with the lower vent only so doesn’t work right with what I’ve got.

 

[Jonathan Hanson]

I have what I believe is the fan unit from a factory AC installation on later FJ40s. I've seen them for sale for silly money.

 

[sterling]

For reference Clardy "dealer add on" a/c that retains heater box

 

[Skreddy]

For reference Clardy "dealer add on" a/c that retains heater box
View attachment 3576217

This is the one I need! The other version comes down on the left/skinny side to clear the upper heater outlet.

Again, year/heater dependent if you want the full width style.

 

[Curtice]

I have an aftermarket evaporator unit that was from back in the day that takes the place of the heater duct. Works pretty good, great for defroster/defogger operation. I paired it with the AC compressor I got with the 3FE and a NOS condenser from a Jeep. I will be selling this one since I now have a new OEM evaporator and controller.

View attachment 3574736

View attachment 3574737

Side track - how did you get your whole dash face off (and reconnect it)? I hate hate hate when I have to work behind/under the 40 dash. This looks awesome haha.

 

[Engineer8000]

I was replacing the dash panel, my old one was pretty hacked up. Was lucky to find a '73 to match. You have to cut the welds on the ends and where the glovebox connects to the firewall. Then drop the windshield and drill out the 72 spot welds that run across the top. I thought about trying to make it removable like the old heeps but I think it is welded for structural integrity.

 

[candidochris]

Just FYI - at least on my 79 the Clardy install puts 2 30mm holes in the firewall and has several sheetmetal screw holes in the body and dash.

I swapped mine to a vintage air - which removes the heater but does it with minimal modifications to the firewall and everything unbolts.

 

[candidochris]

Here are some Clardy removal shots - check out the compressor mount which bolts to 2 of the motor mount bolts and 1 of the water pump bolts.