Adding A/C to the Iron Duke

[siguy8]

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?

[amosende]

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.

[siguy8]

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...

[1985amceagle]

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.

[thereverendbill]

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.   

[IowaEagle]

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.

[siguy8]

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...

[vangremlin]

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.

[AMC1]

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.

[lonestar1947]

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. 

[lonestar1947]

Still trying to pull an ac system together for  this gm engine!

[carnuck]

Find an S10, Camaro or Blazer with the 2.5 in it.

[lonestar1947]

Still looking for ac for my 4 cylinder eagle, I have  another one now!  I have to have ac!

[ChickenFarmer3]

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

[lonestar1947]

This looks like a 6 cylinder engine.  iron duke 4 cylinder a/c systems are few and far between!