With P/S conversion will I lose my A/C?

[oldtexasdog]

I have a 68 F100 thats been in the family since new. My Dad is getting on in years and can no longer handel the stock Arm Strong steering. I bought a Bendix box out of a 69 F100 and a pump with brackets out of a 84 F150. Both have the 300 Six. Now it appears to me I will have to remove the perch bracket for the A/C compressor on the 68 to install the P/S pump. The doner truck had A/C but it was a high bracket that would appear to be too high for my hood to clear? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Also would a pre-cut carpet for a 80F100 fit the 68? Little off topic I know but thanks again.

[rjewkes]

I would get the bracket from the donor for the a/c it should fit. i beleieve there is a bracket that does the a/c and power steering.

[fordman]

i can't speak much abotu the 6 cyl a/c mounts. but on our trucks v8 enignes the moutn bracket can be bolted to the compressor side and the compressor layed down on its side and work properly. maybe you can do that on yours i havent seen what you have so i don't know. the carpet depends on what isze hump you have in the center of the truck. if you have a high hump it might work. if you have the low hump it wont work. what trans do you have in it?

[FORDification]

I seriously doubt you'd run into clearance issues with the hood. There's a LOT of space to work with in there. The top of the compressor will be above the valve cover, but there's still plenty of clearance.

Here's a couple pics for the visual, taken of a '80s junkyard truck when I was researching installing A/C in my '67 with a 240.

[oldtexasdog]

i can't speak much abotu the 6 cyl a/c mounts. but on our trucks v8 enignes the moutn bracket can be bolted to the compressor side and the compressor layed down on its side and work properly. maybe you can do that on yours i havent seen what you have so i don't know. the carpet depends on what isze hump you have in the center of the truck. if you have a high hump it might work. if you have the low hump it wont work. what trans do you have in it?

I have 3 on the tree.

[oldtexasdog]

I seriously doubt you'd run into clearance issues with the hood. There's a LOT of space to work with in there. The top of the compressor will be above the valve cover, but there's still plenty of clearance.

Here's a couple pics for the visual, taken of a '80s junkyard truck when I was researching installing A/C in my '67 with a 240.

Looks close to what I was seeing. Thanks. Will the 84 pump work with the Bendex?

[FORDification]

From what I've been told, the Bendix box requires a different pump. Not that a later pump won't physically bolt up to the box, but the later pumps (not made specifically for a Bendix box) has a different pressure relief valve, and will subject the Bendix box to too much pressure. I'm still trying to track down some more info on this, but not having much luck.

I know that it might be a little more work, but considering the bad rep of the Bendix box anyway (leaking and overheating), I'd strongly suggest just finding a donor truck with a complete PS setup and getting the column and Ford/Saginaw box. With the correct parts, everything will bolt right up and be virtually worry-free.

[oldtexasdog]

Thanks but unfortunitaly I have already invested in the Benbex so I guess I need to keep going. My Dad would only be driving maybe 10 miles a day on it.

[FORDification]

Well then, I'd suggest getting a '69-older Mustang/Fairlane/Torino power steering pump, since they had a Bendix setup that will work with your box. I'll still advise against using the newer-style pump.

[oldtexasdog]

Thanks.