The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop Power steering and air conditioner

Can any one send me to post on adding power steering and air? Or send me to web links to purchase?
I am looking for bolt on if possible, don't have time or skills to remove and replace column or dash. maybe power assist if power steering wont hook up. Dont want to drill holes and all that. But will if I have to.
Thanks for the help!!
Also can you add photos? I see no camera icon

What year and model truck?

What engine do you have?

Mike B

235 in a 53 1 ton Panel

There are no bolt on "factory" units for your truck. There are a number of aftermarket suppliers that provide kits. Most require some basic skills and also require some welding, fabrication, and modifications to related components. I suggest reading some of the technical tips and build postings on this site. There are many and they are varied depending on personal preferences, skill levels, and funds available.
Fred

I usually use Vintage Air but for an AD (47-54) I prefer the Old Air set up. Both very good units and priced the same. You WILL have to drill holes since freon and water can't be sent from the front of the truck to the inside unit telepathically.

Another choice might be electrical power steering.

If that bracket set came with the dual pulley balancer, I might go for it. Good luck finding a dual pulley balancer for a decent price that works.

Coilover, does your Old Air setup have the under-dash vents/controls, or does it have the through-the-speaker-grill controls/vent?
Carl

Carl,
You can google Old Air Products Ft. Worth, Texas to look at their line. Here is a couple of shots of the unit in a 49 pickup. There is one more outlet on the left side of the steering column.
http://s32.photobucket.com/user/coilover/media/dans%2049%20002.jpg.html
http://s32.photobucket.com/user/coilover/media/dans%2049%20011.jpg.html
I did a 51 GMC with the radio grill as the outlet/diffuser and it didn't keep the cab nearly as cool; even put some angled baffles to route the air to the sides. This was before insulation/deadener like Dynamat so now who knows?

Thanks Evan! I am going to go with the below-dash one. I think you need to have the air blowing right on you for it to cool you.
One thing which bugs me about all of the after market systems is the dorky bend in the A/C lines coming out of the compressor. Why couldn't they just have them come straight out the back of the compressor?
Carl

I am planning to add power steering in my 46 1/2 ton with 56 235. I currently have the Old Air Hurricane Heat, AC, Defrost system. The AC compressor sits where the generator was. I use the Patrick's system to place the alternator above the AC.

I am planning to remove the straight axle and put the Jaguar XJ6 IFS underneath. The IFS from 79-86 unbolts and drops out of the car as a complete cradle. (google "Jag IFS Swap")

My next step is to make power steering brackets that will bolt on to the unused ears on the AC compressor. The alternator will need to rotate higher and then the pump will be in a position that the belt will triangle with the alternator. Clear as mud? I mocked this up and made templates from plywood and will soon be cutting steel brackets.

Stand by and over the winter and we will see if this works.

Are you going to run a single pulley damper on the crank? You may need a big amp and speakers for your radio to drown out the squealing belt.

Carl, here are some rear exit compressor from Vintage Air.

Dennis

Thanks Dennis. They must have heard some of us screaming into the night about it.