The Ultimate A/C Thread For Pigs! (Air Conditioning)

[PabloCruise]

I thought I would get this thread going since I am interested in getting the dealer installed AC functioning in my Pig.

I have drawn info from some memorable threads dealing with AC:

https://forum.ih8mud.com/fj55-iron-pig-preservation-society/105677-fj60-c-55-a.html

https://forum.ih8mud.com/fj55-classifieds-corner/342236-79-pig-project-sale-boise.html (We went way off topic!)

https://forum.ih8mud.com/fj55-iron-pig-preservation-society/193838-ultimate-55-a-2.html

I am trying to put information in one place for future searchers.

I will also be asking questions of my own.

Please post pictures of any of the components, schematics, scans, etc that you have!

Let's keep those Pigs cool!!!

 

[PabloCruise]

From this thread:

https://forum.ih8mud.com/fj55-iron-pig-preservation-society/105677-fj60-c-55-a.html

I have put AC from a 60 in a non AC HJ60 before.. I have been thinking a lot aobut this, I will be attempting to use 80 series stuff but if not 60 will be my other option! 60s also use nice standard fittings while 80s use all sorts of weird stuff.. The only issue I think will be the wiring, if you want to keep it functioning OEM... Basically, AC works by turning on the compressor only. In FJ60s, they use a circuit board with a few safety parameters and control / determine an idle-up function.. The AC board is right on the passenger side of the AC unit, toyota refers to it as an "amplifier." The safety functions I think are a temp function (if it gets too cold) and it has a freezing / moisture sensor so it will also shut it self off if it starts getting some humidity / freezing / icing). Nothing wrong with this, but it also has a sensor off the coil, then it has another idel up function on the FJ60 era carb that increases idel when AC is on...

So your options are:

1) use all FJ60 coil / carb / electronics. this is a PITa especially for desmogged / earlier engines.

2) Run a BJ60 era amlifier that uses the safety items but there is no idel up function. this is good in terms of ease of wiring but you might experience some running problems because it cannot idel up. maybe use a hand throttle ot increase idle up? Also this part appears to be discontinued. I ordered it sucessfully a couple of years ago. Also one of the japan listers might be able to get it and ship it..

3) Run a straight wire to the compressor and risk the icing factors...

The condenser in a 60 is huge, like most modern ones. The space in a 55 is tiny. You would have to mount the condenser in front of the radiator and move the rad back, or use a different condensor. I'm looking at a Honda Civic one. It's narrow and tall and looks like it'll fit. I just hope it has the correct fittings.

Condensers in any size you need .http://www.ackits.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=Parallel

There are piggy specific A/C systems out there. I have OEM A/C in the '55.

As for the BJ60 A/C amplifier, I have three from a buddy of mine in Honduras. All tested and working https://forum.ih8mud.com/diesel-jdm-parts/338289-ac-amplifier-60-series.html

I thought Vintage Air made a good kit that worked well? I have a complete setup from a '78... saving for??? I was eventually going to go with the Vintage Air kit figuring it would be more efficient? Does yours work really well Cruiser Guy?

When I built up the A/C for my 40 I used a 85 ford ranger condensor because its super thin , and a 86 ranger compressor (has the clamp on hose ends so no special hoses need to be made) Used a early 80,s pontiac reciever drier(again clamp on ends for it and a sight glass built in). Used a under the das unit for out of a old chevrolet.(any make will do) the compressor is wired through a basic old style t-stat that has the gas tube stuck in between the evaporator coil fins (this cycles the compressor) . This is a old r12 setup I run freeze12 in ( runs 10% less so leave a few bubbles in the sight glass )and I put out 42 deg at the vent. I have the same parts going in my piggy when I get to that stage. No idle up solenoid and it only drop 100 rpm when on. I played around with diffrent condensors until I got the head pressure I liked. I also added a inline high pressure cut out so when you got on it the head pressure wouldnt go out of sight. I have about $100 bucks in the whole thing. Only thing I bought new was the drier and some hose. The freon I had on my work truck.

 

[PabloCruise]

From this thread:

https://forum.ih8mud.com/fj55-iron-pig-preservation-society/105677-fj60-c-55-a.html

I have put AC from a 60 in a non AC HJ60 before.. I have been thinking a lot aobut this, I will be attempting to use 80 series stuff but if not 60 will be my other option! 60s also use nice standard fittings while 80s use all sorts of weird stuff.. The only issue I think will be the wiring, if you want to keep it functioning OEM... Basically, AC works by turning on the compressor only. In FJ60s, they use a circuit board with a few safety parameters and control / determine an idle-up function.. The AC board is right on the passenger side of the AC unit, toyota refers to it as an "amplifier." The safety functions I think are a temp function (if it gets too cold) and it has a freezing / moisture sensor so it will also shut it self off if it starts getting some humidity / freezing / icing). Nothing wrong with this, but it also has a sensor off the coil, then it has another idel up function on the FJ60 era carb that increases idel when AC is on...

So your options are:

1) use all FJ60 coil / carb / electronics. this is a PITa especially for desmogged / earlier engines.

2) Run a BJ60 era amlifier that uses the safety items but there is no idel up function. this is good in terms of ease of wiring but you might experience some running problems because it cannot idel up. maybe use a hand throttle ot increase idle up? Also this part appears to be discontinued. I ordered it sucessfully a couple of years ago. Also one of the japan listers might be able to get it and ship it..

3) Run a straight wire to the compressor and risk the icing factors...

The condenser in a 60 is huge, like most modern ones. The space in a 55 is tiny. You would have to mount the condenser in front of the radiator and move the rad back, or use a different condensor. I'm looking at a Honda Civic one. It's narrow and tall and looks like it'll fit. I just hope it has the correct fittings.

Condensers in any size you need .http://www.ackits.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=Parallel

There are piggy specific A/C systems out there. I have OEM A/C in the '55.

As for the BJ60 A/C amplifier, I have three from a buddy of mine in Honduras. All tested and working https://forum.ih8mud.com/diesel-jdm-parts/338289-ac-amplifier-60-series.html

I thought Vintage Air made a good kit that worked well? I have a complete setup from a '78... saving for??? I was eventually going to go with the Vintage Air kit figuring it would be more efficient? Does yours work really well Cruiser Guy?

When I built up the A/C for my 40 I used a 85 ford ranger condensor because its super thin , and a 86 ranger compressor (has the clamp on hose ends so no special hoses need to be made) Used a early 80,s pontiac reciever drier(again clamp on ends for it and a sight glass built in). Used a under the das unit for out of a old chevrolet.(any make will do) the compressor is wired through a basic old style t-stat that has the gas tube stuck in between the evaporator coil fins (this cycles the compressor) . This is a old r12 setup I run freeze12 in ( runs 10% less so leave a few bubbles in the sight glass )and I put out 42 deg at the vent. I have the same parts going in my piggy when I get to that stage. No idle up solenoid and it only drop 100 rpm when on. I played around with diffrent condensors until I got the head pressure I liked. I also added a inline high pressure cut out so when you got on it the head pressure wouldnt go out of sight. I have about $100 bucks in the whole thing. Only thing I bought new was the drier and some hose. The freon I had on my work truck.

 

[PabloCruise]

From https://forum.ih8mud.com/fj55-classifieds-corner/342236-79-pig-project-sale-boise.html

Oh boy, this is tough.

I hope you find a good home for it!

Would you be able to take pics of how the A/C condensor, drier and compressor mount in your Pig?

I need to re-install the system in mine (came un-installed)

I appreciate if you can take these pictures...

I'll get some more pics for you tonite...I think I have one or two of the compressor here, but I'll get a better one. it sits just under the alternator...hard to tell from these pics how it's mounted. I've since removed the alternator and head, so I should have a better view when I go home tonight.

I think they use a special engine mount to carry the A/C compressor. I had that mount once upon a time.

similar to a 60 series?

side hi-jack.... I understand the 79 rads are different. are the a/c rads different again? like the 40 series uses a different rad for a/c rigs.

just wondering

That is correct. I don't know if it's the same as the 60 series, but I do have a couple of those mounts (out of pigs) available if anyone is in need.

I think the a/c rads are the same.

call Kurt at SOR, he should be able to enlighten

Not sure on that. I'm running the stock rad on my FJ55 but I have the 3B diesel and A/C (the truck the rad came from did not have A/C). My BJ60 has a special rad for A/C (4 core instead of 3 core).

There are three different A/C compressor/motor mounts. All of them take the place of the RH front motor mount bracket.

early-4/'75(holds the nippondenso version of a two cylinder york.) Bent/welded plate steel mount with a large nearly horizontal plate that the compressor bottom bolted to.

4/'75-1/'79(holds a wierd nippondenso rotary compressor which is interestingly not available from toyota anymore, but was used in BMW's, and repair parts and reman'ed compressors can be sourced). Bent/welded plate steel mount similar to the cast FJ60 mount.

1/'79 and later. Same as FJ40 and FJ60 common a/c compressor/motor mount.

Radiators:
No specifc A/C radiators, just the normal changes through the years. the thin radiator of 79's was a 79 thing, not a/c only...

Sweet info! Any differences in condensers? Mounts for condensers? Driers/locations?

Maybe this should get moved over to tech??

are the motor mounts interchangable? It's just the piece attached to the frame is different for the different frame widths? true?

Here are two different A/C pump brackets

Left is from an '83 60
Right is from a '79 Pig

Cool, So if I read Cruiser Brett correctly, my '74 would run a different style compressor than a '79 would?

I think so. I don't know if one of my mounts would work for you or not.

Any input, Brett?

Those mounts are for the later swash plate rotary compressors. The flat stock one(bent and welded) without the idler pulley is the 4/'75-1/'79 bracket for the large ND compressor. the cast FJ60 style one is for the later compressor...

The correct mount needed has another plate that is nearly horizontal, that the base of the compressor mounts to. Will get pics in the next few days...

a 7/'70-4/'75 uses an obscenely obsolete ND cc2m compressor, which I have never been able to find parts for, or even a seal kit. Its a two cylinder reciprocating compressor like a york, only slightly smaller. Noisy as all hell too. If you insist on using this style, put a muffler in the discharge line(A/C shops will have them) or the droning inside the cab is bad...

Those mounts are for the later swash plate rotary compressors. The flat stock one(bent and welded) without the idler pulley(on left) is the 4/'75-~1/'79 bracket for the large ND compressor. the cast FJ60 style one(right) is for the later compressor...

The correct mount needed has another plate that is nearly horizontal, that the base of the compressor mounts to. Will get pics in the next few days...

a 7/'70-4/'75 uses an obscenely obsolete ND cc2m compressor, which I have never been able to find parts for, or even a seal kit. Its a two cylinder reciprocating compressor like a york, only slightly smaller. Noisy as all hell too. If you insist on using this style, put a muffler in the discharge line(A/C shops will have them) or the droning inside the cab is bad...

shamelessly pirated from an another thread: the red arrow points to the factory RH motor mount for pre 4/'75 piggies with A/C. the bottom of the compressor bolts to the four slotted holes. that is what adjusts the belt tension. there is a specific lower a/c hose to clear the bottom of the belt. hose is shaped like a question mark.

Great, that is the compressor I got with my '74! (Jan '74 build) When I got it I thought the dealers were throwing Yorks on the Pigs once they hit the US



I'll have to pull out my compressor and mount for photos.

Can I got this hose reproduced by my local A/C shop?

Brett,

I think we need to start an official 55 A/C thread...

Regarding the hose:

That should have read "there is an A/C specific lower coolant hose to clear the belt" Apparently the mind still works faster than the fingers can type. So I have that going for me.

Edit: this weekend, or early next week I will get pics of the various vintage parts, so I can start the documentation. yeah, that means what you think. I have a few FJ55 A/C setups...

I look forward to reading this!

My dilemia is that I have a 3FE in my Pig, so I am not sure if that hose for the 1F would fit my configuration.

I definitley want to accomplish my A/C install in 2010 though...

Thanks for working on this! Can't wait to see your pics.

if you have a 3FE, go with the 3fe compressor etc. much more modern, and you can get service parts for it.

here are a few pics of a Toyota A/C parts catalog I picked up, I don't have a scanner, so hope these work.
The catalog covers 1974 and before for all Toyota models.

firt 2 pics are of 1974 stuff and the last is for 1970-73s

That lower hose is still available IINM. I might even have one or two if you want them.

sorry about the hijack but can a smaller and lighter shandin? compressor be installed instead?; .....prefer toyota stuff but the old compressors am told cannot be rebuilt + they take a lot of HP to move...appreciate comments...TIA


Lou

a sanden 508 would be a good choice. Vintage air uses this compressor with their kits, so mount isnt an issue. Pony $ up for their mounts and youre good to go.

I use a sanden 508 in my 1973 FJ55 that I modernized the underhood components on, and converted to r134a. It blew 37 degree outlet temp when it was about 80 outside.

Is the Sanden a non-Toyota piece? Do you have to get mounts from Vintage?

Would this be recomended over the 3FE compressor?

sanden = non toyota.

if you dont have a ND compressor or mounts it is likely the easiest to swap b/c you dont HAVE to fab mounts, since vintage and others have them available(for f/2F)

The sanden 508 is THE streetrodders/aftermarket A/C compressor. probably just as good as any ND.

 

[PabloCruise]

From https://forum.ih8mud.com/fj55-iron-pig-preservation-society/193838-ultimate-55-a-2.html

A/C is mostly finished. All I need to do is install the new drier, and expansion valve. before I can install the box under the dash. The condencer is from a BMW of some sort. I have the part # if anyome needs it but I dont know the aplication. I had to get 2 custom lines made from the compresor to the condencer and from the condencer to the drier.

more of the A/C lines and routing

2 more

great threadnumbers on the BMW condenser please!

Lou

I had to remove a few brackets and modify a few others but all in all it went in very well.

Geting closer. I got the A/C buttoned up short of installing a new drier and charging the system.

A/C is mostly finished. All I need to do is install the new drier, and expansion valve. before I can install the box under the dash. The condencer is from a BMW of some sort. I have the part # if anyome needs it but I dont know the aplication. I had to get 2 custom lines made from the compresor to the condencer and from the condencer to the drier.

more of the A/C lines and routing

2 more

great threadnumbers on the BMW condenser please!

Lou

I had to remove a few brackets and modify a few others but all in all it went in very well.

Geting closer. I got the A/C buttoned up short of installing a new drier and charging the system.

wow it really turned out nice,,, did i miss where the underdash unit came from?

FJ60

On the FJ60 AC under dash unit, how difficult was it to mount and integrate to the FJ55 dash and outside blower?

That looks like the clean "lowbuck" solution for my build up with AC

It did turn out very clean but it was in no way easy or lowbuck. lots of custom fab work to get all of the vents to work fairly correctly.

So the venting work ended up being a bit of a nightmare?

I am a bit up in the air over doing a factory AC unit, the FJ60 that you did, or the vintage air unit.

Would you do the FJ60 unit again?

That is a tough question. I used the 60 setup because we had a few laying around. It works well enough but the controlls on the dash are a bit odd and like I said getting it to fit right wasnt easy.

My first choice would be a factory 55 A/C setup but as im sure you know they arent easy to find. I have installed the vintage air kit in a couple of 40 and they also work well.

 

[PabloCruise]

The bummer is that none of the attached photos come over when I quote these other threads.

Please post pics if you have them.

I took a look at what I had for compressors this weekend.

Here are pics of the compressor that came with my '74. There was no engine in it, so the compressor was in the back, unmounted.

It does have a York badge on it, not ND.

So maybe the dealer threw on a York?

Or maybe someone replaced the ND with a York later?

Does anyone know the vintage and application of this York?

Mount is attached.

 

[PabloCruise]

O-k, I think my parts collecting is getting a little out of control, because I had two other compressors on the shelf.

They may have both come from from FJBen when he parted out his Pig, but I am not sure...



Same question, can anyone tell me what this compressor would have been installed in?

60 series?

 

[PabloCruise]

In the last pic, you can see a mount that I have that fits the above compressor.

Not sure if it will work with the 3FE configuration?

 

[PabloCruise]

Final round of "Name that AC compressor"

Thanks in advance for any help y'all come up with!

I think this came out of a Pig -

 

[Trollhole]

In the last pic, you can see a mount that I have that fits the above compressor.

Not sure if it will work with the 3FE configuration?

FJ60 motor mount which also holds the AC compressor.

 

[Trollhole]

O-k, I think my parts collecting is getting a little out of control, because I had two other compressors on the shelf.

They may have both come from from FJBen when he parted out his Pig, but I am not sure...



Same question, can anyone tell me what this compressor would have been installed in?

60 series?

Pretty sure that is a FJ60 compressor.

 

[Trollhole]

These are pics someone sent me of a stock a/c system in a 55.

 

[Trollhole]

More.

 

[Trollhole]

Final round of "Name that AC compressor"

Thanks in advance for any help y'all come up with!

I think this came out of a Pig -

Hold on to that one. One day when people start thinking pigs are worth more than dirt you might find a resto person like myself willing to buy theat compressor off you considering it was the stock unit.

 

[Trollhole]

The bummer is that none of the attached photos come over when I quote these other threads.

Please post pics if you have them.

I took a look at what I had for compressors this weekend.

Here are pics of the compressor that came with my '74. There was no engine in it, so the compressor was in the back, unmounted.

It does have a York badge on it, not ND.

So maybe the dealer threw on a York?

Or maybe someone replaced the ND with a York later?

Does anyone know the vintage and application of this York?

Mount is attached.

Aftermarket or Dealer installed. Not stock. Usually was used in the Clardy units.

 

[PabloCruise]

Hold on to that one. One day when people start thinking pigs are worth more than dirt you might find a resto person like myself willing to buy theat compressor off you considering it was the stock unit.

Thanks Troll - it looks like the one in the pics you posted.

I am wondering if anyone has a picture of the mount this goes with?

Anyone know where I could get rebuild kit for the clutch?

 

[PabloCruise]

Hold on to that one. One day when people start thinking pigs are worth more than dirt you might find a resto person like myself willing to buy theat compressor off you considering it was the stock unit.

Interesting to note how much bigger this compressor is vs. the 60 series compressor or the York.

Is it a better compressor, or is the 60 series ND just more efficient?

 

[PabloCruise]

More.

Thanks Troll, these are nice b/c they show me where the drier is located. I have what looks like the same drier.

Do you have any pics that show the condensor mount locations?

 

[PabloCruise]

Aftermarket or Dealer installed. Not stock. Usually was used in the Clardy units.

I wonder if this one is loud like the ND that looks like a York that Cruiser Brett was talking about?

 

[PabloCruise]

FJ60 motor mount which also holds the AC compressor.

Can anyone comment as to whether this configuration will work with 3FE?