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Author Topic: Adding A/C to the Iron Duke  (Read 16763 times)

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Offline siguy8

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Adding A/C to the Iron Duke
« 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?
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1982 SX/4 Sport 4 cylinder 5 speed manual. 135k miles.

amosende

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Re: Adding A/C to the Iron Duke
« Reply #1 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.
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Offline siguy8

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Re: Adding A/C to the Iron Duke
« Reply #2 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...
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1982 SX/4 Sport 4 cylinder 5 speed manual. 135k miles.

Offline 1985amceagle

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Re: Adding A/C to the Iron Duke
« Reply #3 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.
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Offline thereverendbill

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Re: Adding A/C to the Iron Duke
« Reply #4 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.   
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Offline IowaEagle

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Re: Adding A/C to the Iron Duke
« Reply #5 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.
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Offline siguy8

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Re: Adding A/C to the Iron Duke
« Reply #6 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...
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1982 SX/4 Sport 4 cylinder 5 speed manual. 135k miles.

Offline vangremlin

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Re: Adding A/C to the Iron Duke
« Reply #7 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.
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Offline AMC1

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Re: Adding A/C to the Iron Duke
« Reply #8 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.
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Offline lonestar1947

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Re: Adding A/C to the Iron Duke
« Reply #9 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. 
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Offline lonestar1947

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Re: Adding A/C to the Iron Duke
« Reply #10 on: September 06, 2014, 08:17:25 PM »
Still trying to pull an ac system together for  this gm engine!
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Offline carnuck

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Re: Adding A/C to the Iron Duke
« Reply #11 on: September 06, 2014, 08:56:10 PM »
Find an S10, Camaro or Blazer with the 2.5 in it.
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Offline lonestar1947

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Re: Adding A/C to the Iron Duke
« Reply #12 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!
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Offline ChickenFarmer3

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Re: Adding A/C to the Iron Duke
« Reply #13 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
« Last Edit: February 16, 2017, 12:07:19 PM by ChickenFarmer3 »
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Offline lonestar1947

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Re: Adding A/C to the Iron Duke
« Reply #14 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!
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