AMC Eagle Den Forum

The Shop => Four Cylinder Club => Topic started by: siguy8 on September 08, 2011, 11:19:31 AM

Title: Adding A/C to the Iron Duke
Post by: siguy8 on September 08, 2011, 11:19:31 AM
I live in Shreveport, LA and it's been over 100F most days this summer. I need air conditioning.

I've got an 82 SX/4 with the 151 and I also have an A/C unit that the previous owner tossed in with it. On the 258 side of the forum, I see that I need to add a compressor, evaporator, patience, condenser, hoses, oil and refrigerant, and a receiver/drier.

I really don't know anything about A/C systems, but I found a guy who has some parts from GM vehicles that I might be able to use (http://nacogdoches.craigslist.org/pts/2577226761.html). I need some pointers on where to go for more info, or where to learn about it all.

Are A/C parts really specific to the system/vehicle, or do I just need to get one of each and hook them all together?
Title: Re: Adding A/C to the Iron Duke
Post by: amosende on October 08, 2013, 11:10:51 AM
Hi  Siguy8.  Were you ever able to get AC put in??
I have an SX4 that I just bought and am wanting to do the same thing.
Title: Re: Adding A/C to the Iron Duke
Post by: siguy8 on October 08, 2013, 06:38:00 PM
Not yet! I actually moved to Tucson, AZ so it has been just as bad here without A/C. I'd love anyone else's input on this because it seems like no one knows how to do it. I asked a local A/C shop here in Tucson and they said they'd have to get back to me. After calling them a few times I've pretty much given up.

It's cooling down here, so this project is probably on hold until next May...
Title: Re: Adding A/C to the Iron Duke
Post by: 1985amceagle on October 08, 2013, 07:20:26 PM
im thinking you would need parts form some ac equipped cars, like the ductwork, ac condenser and etc. you might be able to make a compress from a GM vehicle fit.
Title: Re: Adding A/C to the Iron Duke
Post by: thereverendbill on October 09, 2013, 07:14:36 AM
the good news is that most of the parts (condenser, AC heater box, and ac heater controls) are all the same among eagles (to my knowledge).  the bad news is you and your engine is not going to be happy with the power that the A/C unit is going to take from the engine and it could cause the car to run hot.   
Title: Re: Adding A/C to the Iron Duke
Post by: IowaEagle on October 09, 2013, 09:42:27 AM
Yes, a parts source from another AMC small bodied car is what you will need, preferably a Iron Duke car as the mounts will be there.
Title: Re: Adding A/C to the Iron Duke
Post by: siguy8 on October 09, 2013, 01:00:15 PM
Great! Thanks for the responses! I dropped a gigantic radiator in after I overheated and cracked my cylinder head, so I should be ok. Unfortunately my iron duke will be struggling even more, but at least it won't overheat.

Now I've gotta find a donor...
Title: Re: Adding A/C to the Iron Duke
Post by: vangremlin on October 10, 2013, 09:16:09 AM
I think the most critical things you'll need from a donor will be the underdash tray, heater box, and A/C-heater controls from any Eagle, and the brackets for the compressor.  On the 258 cars, the alternator was relocated to accomodate the compressor, so make sure to check out whether you'll need those brackets too.  I think any other parts should still be available, or in the case of the condenser, you can find a generic substitute.  Check with places like Classic Auto Air, etc, they may be able to help you out.

Good luck!  Over the years I had gathered parts to add A/C to three of my old cars, but it never came to fruition.  Guess it never got hot enough here in Denver lol.
Title: Re: Adding A/C to the Iron Duke
Post by: AMC1 on October 11, 2013, 04:24:03 PM
Don't forget to get the wiring if you have the opportunity. Also I assume you're going to upgrade the refrigerant to R134a instead of the original R12. You might want to have that evaporator core tested to see if it can withstand the higher pressure.
Title: Re: Adding A/C to the Iron Duke
Post by: lonestar1947 on December 14, 2013, 06:25:05 PM
Keep in touch regarding your a/c.  I have a 81 Eagle with the iron duke; no a/c, and I want a/c.  I've put a/c into 6 cylinder 258, amc's 3 different times.  It was easy!  I was lucky to be stationed near a junkyard, and carefully took apart a a/c equipped Eagle or Concord.  It's nothing to take a dashboard out of an AMC!  That way you can put in the a/c stuff under the dash where it belongs.  It was easy for the 6 cylinder, a few things needed to be changed on the engine, pulleys, belts, viscous fan.  But I'm new when it comes to the Iron Duke, and what will be needed to do. 
Title: Re: Adding A/C to the Iron Duke
Post by: lonestar1947 on September 06, 2014, 08:17:25 PM
Still trying to pull an ac system together for  this gm engine!
Title: Re: Adding A/C to the Iron Duke
Post by: carnuck on September 06, 2014, 08:56:10 PM
Find an S10, Camaro or Blazer with the 2.5 in it.
Title: Re: Adding A/C to the Iron Duke
Post by: lonestar1947 on August 26, 2016, 08:29:15 PM
Still looking for ac for my 4 cylinder eagle, I have  another one now!  I have to have ac!
Title: Re: Adding A/C to the Iron Duke
Post by: ChickenFarmer3 on February 16, 2017, 11:59:41 AM
There is a parts car in denver that has an ac in it and the parts.  To buy the whole thing he wants 1000.  Hopefully parts will be more reasonable.


call mark 720-329-6950
Title: Re: Adding A/C to the Iron Duke
Post by: lonestar1947 on February 17, 2017, 01:07:16 PM
This looks like a 6 cylinder engine.  iron duke 4 cylinder a/c systems are few and far between!
Title: Re: Adding A/C to the Iron Duke
Post by: amcfool1 on February 18, 2017, 12:27:59 AM
hi, another option is to get a self contained AC unit, under dash from Classic Air, in Florida, good luck, gz
Title: Re: Adding A/C to the Iron Duke
Post by: ChickenFarmer3 on February 18, 2017, 12:58:36 AM
Yeah it's a 6 cylinder...  I'll keep looking for an Iron Duke with ac