Rembrant Posted July 23, 2019 Share Posted July 23, 2019 With all the talk lately of Dealer AC installations, I was daydreaming about installing one of the aftermarket AC systems...(I get a lot of what I call "Windshield time" to ponder things...lol). Now, I realize some of you (or all of you) would never consider such a thing, but I was thinking why couldn't one just gut the existing Non-AC components and install one of those aftermarket compact heat/AC combo units? Then, while looking at other Bullnose junk on Ebay I came across this Bronco... https://www.ebay.com/itm/143335776045 Clearly, they gutted the original heater box and cable controls, blanked off the firewall, and installed a compact AC/Heat Combo-unit inside the cab. Note: If I was to ever do this, I'd make it a little prettier in the engine bay and use dash vents that looked a little closer to the factory originals, but whatever...obviously this is a function over form install... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1986F150Six Posted July 23, 2019 Share Posted July 23, 2019 Now, I realize some of you (or all of you) would never consider such a thing, but I was thinking why couldn't one just gut the existing Non-AC components and install one of those aftermarket compact heat/AC combo units? It is your truck, Cory, so make yourself happy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rembrant Posted July 23, 2019 Author Share Posted July 23, 2019 It is your truck, Cory, so make yourself happy! TRUTH! David, I am always aware of the potential backlash of "Why would you ever do such a thing?", so I was just making a point in advance. My "Internet Armor" is well worn, so I'm used to it...lol, but still, we all have our opinions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rembrant Posted July 23, 2019 Author Share Posted July 23, 2019 Gentlemen, Have a look at this picture...there is a vertical switch on the right hand side of the heat/AC control panel. Since this is a Bronco, is that the switch for the rear window? It would either be that or a dual tank switch, and this being a Bronco, I assume rear window...and nothing at all to do with HVAC? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary Lewis Posted July 23, 2019 Share Posted July 23, 2019 Gentlemen, Have a look at this picture...there is a vertical switch on the right hand side of the heat/AC control panel. Since this is a Bronco, is that the switch for the rear window? It would either be that or a dual tank switch, and this being a Bronco, I assume rear window...and nothing at all to do with HVAC? Yes, as the Bronco only had one tank that switch is not a tank selection switch. Instead, when it is supplied it is a rear power window switch, as shown below. However, I don't know what the heater controls are, but I'm pretty sure they aren't Bullnose. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rembrant Posted July 23, 2019 Author Share Posted July 23, 2019 However, I don't know what the heater controls are, but I'm pretty sure they aren't Bullnose. It appears to be a universal controller by Vintage Air. If you look at the page below, scroll down to "Optional Universal Components", second row down, last item on the right, I believe that is it. https://www.vintageair.com/builder-series/?subcat1=Under%20Dash&subcat2=Slimline&subcat3=Heat%20Cool%20and%20Defrost I also found this one while searching for other stuff... https://www.restomodair.com/shopproducts/1973-79-ford-truck-x-act-fit-ac-controller/ I wonder how closely it would fit in the Bullnose bezel?... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FuzzFace2 Posted July 23, 2019 Share Posted July 23, 2019 Yes, as the Bronco only had one tank that switch is not a tank selection switch. Instead, when it is supplied it is a rear power window switch, as shown below. However, I don't know what the heater controls are, but I'm pretty sure they aren't Bullnose. I don't remember how the AC duct work was run if you could use part or it with an AC dash and plumb an after market system into it? The other thing is where does the factory fresh air enter the truck, again I don't remember and raining to hard to run across the yard to my garage to see if I can tell. Looking over my pictures the left side of both AC & non-AC frames have the openings for the AC duct / vents and just bolt them in and change the gauge bezel to an AC one from the looks of it. Now the left side I don't think is that easy to just cut the openings and install the vents and think that is part of the main dash frame. I dint think the pictures Cory posted of the Bronco setup is all that bad. They are in the factory spots just a little smaller / thinner is all. And other than the rear window not marked up/down the control looks pretty good also. I think everyone knows where I stand on factory or aftermarket AC systems Dave ---- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rembrant Posted July 23, 2019 Author Share Posted July 23, 2019 I don't remember how the AC duct work was run if you could use part or it with an AC dash and plumb an after market system into it? The other thing is where does the factory fresh air enter the truck, again I don't remember and raining to hard to run across the yard to my garage to see if I can tell. Looking over my pictures the left side of both AC & non-AC frames have the openings for the AC duct / vents and just bolt them in and change the gauge bezel to an AC one from the looks of it. Now the left side I don't think is that easy to just cut the openings and install the vents and think that is part of the main dash frame. I dint think the pictures Cory posted of the Bronco setup is all that bad. They are in the factory spots just a little smaller / thinner is all. And other than the rear window not marked up/down the control looks pretty good also. I think everyone knows where I stand on factory or aftermarket AC systems Dave ---- Dave, Seeing this truck on Ebay gave me some inspiration for installing an aftermarket system. I still need heat, and defrost for sure, so one of the compact combo units would do the trick, and that is what appears to be in this Bronco. I like some things to stay looking factory, but I'm also OK with some restomod things as well. Locating and swapping/installing a factory system is not really an ideal thing for me to do/attempt. I'd rather go with a new kit and make it work. I think the dash vents could be made to look better, as well as the engine bay area. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary Lewis Posted January 29, 2020 Share Posted January 29, 2020 Dave, Seeing this truck on Ebay gave me some inspiration for installing an aftermarket system. I still need heat, and defrost for sure, so one of the compact combo units would do the trick, and that is what appears to be in this Bronco. I like some things to stay looking factory, but I'm also OK with some restomod things as well. Locating and swapping/installing a factory system is not really an ideal thing for me to do/attempt. I'd rather go with a new kit and make it work. I think the dash vents could be made to look better, as well as the engine bay area. Cory - Thought of you when I saw this: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1986F150Six Posted January 29, 2020 Share Posted January 29, 2020 Cory - Thought of you when I saw this: Dealer installed? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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