RE: 1968 Jeep Wagoneer AC update

[67 wagoneer]

Has anyone out there attempted to modify and install a new AC system while preserving the stock controls of the 1968 Jeep Wagoneer? My car did not come from the factory with AC, however after about a year of searching I was able to find a very nice factory under dash AC unit... which is all I have. So being that I will need all of the rest of it to make it work, and these will most likely be new because I have no idea how to get OEM replacement parts I was thinking of just calling up Vintage air or someone like that and trying to cobble together something to make it all go.. this is assuming that the evaporator is actually still functioning.

Is there anyone out there in the Jeep universe who has attempted to do this? I would really like to keep the interior the stock look.

Thanks

[sonoraed]

I'm a Vintage Air distributor and can tell you they don't have anything for FSJ's
But don't fret, lots of stuff out there, first I would go thru this forum and soak up what you can lot's of people have gone before you and btw factory air for a FSJ was a added on aftermarket underdash AMC air unit.
So you need two important components, ac compressor and mount (you didn't say engine size) and condenser (fits in front of radiator) I won't use the oem style condenser offered by several outfits, they fit well but tubes and hoses are a hassle.
If you know nothing about AC installation then Vintage Air does publish a book with Rick Love VA Pres that goes into great detail highly recommend.

[67 wagoneer]

Thank you for the advice. I will comb this forum to see what I can find. That being said I don't see a lot on 68 Wagoneer posts. I have a 350 Buick V8 engine, and not the more common later on AMC iterations. I did see on Vigilante's website they were putting together a later model Wagoneer using stock controls and look, but not sure how they did it. Plus they are running modern engines in those things.

[Srdayflyer]

source or fabricate a buick a/c compressor mount buick used a gm a-5 compressor, however a friend just switched his waggy a/c to an after market under dash (trans tunnel) mounted location and ditched the AMC under dash unit he went with a sanden compressor and aftermarket parts from amazon and a place called jerry's leftovers (A/C parts liquidator) total cost a little under 300.00. fyi , a/c systems are simple compressor /receiver drier/ condensor coil/evaporator coil blower assy /hoses and fittings/ freon/ and pag oil or freon r134 with oil included . no big deal other than time /matl's/labor a/c evac pump and guages available to rent from oreillys azone , i had all the oem equipment replaced the hoses /reciever drier and flushed the r-12 lube oil and it runs like new just my 2 cents

[67 wagoneer]

Thanks for the help. Sounds like keeping and adapting what I have is the best solution. I did call Vintage Air today and talked to their very knowledgable staff. I ordered their mock up box for the their Gen V unit. 200 bucks plus shipping to see if I could get their all in one unit to fit under my dash run everything and sort of make it appear still stock. We will see what I can come up with. I'll try and post pics as I progress and trouble shoot.

[67 wagoneer]

Sonoraed I think I found a place where I can find the correct compressor mounting hardware for the 68 Buick 350 V8. Even though it's not a Jeep Wagoneer in these photos it will still work right??

http://thepartguy.com/ac-mountscompBuick.htm

[sonoraed]

I don't know anything about Buick engines would talk to the seller, only problem I see is the bracket is using an GM A6 compressor which weights a ton and is expensive (new $500) rebuilts are junk and the aluminum clone is worse, but the A6 was a reliable unit, some outfits make a A6 to Sanden conversion kit which have never used,
You said you had a oem underdash evaporator why are going with a Gen IV ? which will fit but opens up a whole new world of complication.

[sonoraed]

https://www.apairinc.com/shopping/?ic=4602
This outfit offers a A6 to Sanden conversion kit

[67 wagoneer]

Ok sweet. Sounds like I need to give you a ring to figure this out. We used to have a family cabin up at Dodge ridge and I went through Sonora all the time on the way up there.

[Herk]

If you use the Buick A/C bracketry, mounting the compressor (Harrison A-6) on the right side of the engine, you will need to move the battery a little. If you use the Jeep brackets (York compressor) you can't run a standard HEI distributor.

[Srdayflyer]

std HEI , i assume you are talking a bulky std old school distributor, i had a 69 b350 with points ignition and swapped in a pertronix halls effect hei which fits in the points style distributor and it worked great and allows use of the oem dist. and doesnt cramp the engine bay or interfere with any exsisting engine assy's thats what i would do

[Srdayflyer]

PerTronix 1181 Ignitor® Delco 8 cyl Electronic Ignition Conversion Kit
Part Number: 1181 / UPC 694342000288

[67 wagoneer]

I see the dilemma. Just a quick check under the hood after trying to figure out where a compressor would go, I see that a traditional Buick 350 compressor mount on the passenger side would run into the batter tray, and I suspect that a compressor on the drivers side with electronic ignition system that I have would probably interfere with that... Got to think more creative here to make this thing work.

Does anyone have a picture of a 1968 Jeep Wagoneer with AC just so I can see visually how it was originally ran under the hood?
Thanks

[sonoraed]

Go to Vintage Air's website and look at there #15110-VBB compressor mount, says early and late 231

[Srdayflyer]

the original Harrison a-6 compressor was mounted where your alternator is and the alternator was mounted below the compressor, the amc 360 powered has a york compressor and doesnt interfere with the battery tray, i did however reposition my battery tray as i installed a larger battery

[Herk]

On the Buick engine, the A-6 compressor mounted OUTBOARD of the alternator. The alternator position did not change (although some Buicks used a larger frame alternator.)

[letank]

a bit late, IIRC if you can get a York compressor mount, there is a conversion bracket to mount a sanden compressor to a york bracket - that is on the passenger side-

As for the bulk of the VA system, BJs off road has a few pict of the installation

https://bjsoffroad.com/complete-air-con ... er-system/

and yes our rigs need to be a little creative

[Oilburner]

Has anyone out there attempted to modify and install a new AC system while preserving the stock controls of the 1968 Jeep Wagoneer? My car did not come from the factory with AC, however after about a year of searching I was able to find a very nice factory under dash AC unit... which is all I have. So being that I will need all of the rest of it to make it work, and these will most likely be new because I have no idea how to get OEM replacement parts I was thinking of just calling up Vintage air or someone like that and trying to cobble together something to make it all go.. this is assuming that the evaporator is actually still functioning.

Is there anyone out there in the Jeep universe who has attempted to do this? I would really like to keep the interior the stock look.

Thanks

If you are interested in selling the old under-dash AC unit, I would be interested.
Thanks-

[Oilburner]

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[Stuka]

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