Can you add A/C if it came from factory with out it?

Okay I’m interested in buying a Tacoma gen 1, and the guy said it comes from factory with out A/C.
I wanted to know if anyone has ever installed AC in a gen one Tacoma and what you need to install if it never came with AC ?

 

That's odd. I've never actually seen a Taco without A/C. Even my 97 poverty spec 5 lug had a/c...

Where is the vehicle from? I live in Cali, so I don't think they ever sold a vehicle here without it.

 

Well I’m buying it from a guy in Orlando

 

I would imagine it's possable. The question is is that much effort worth it. If the truck is dirt cheap maybe?

 

1) Of course you can.

2) Lots of stuff. If bought new, quite expensive.

Mechanical stuff is doable from a dononer.

Wiring might be simplest using a custom free standing harness.

But since you have to ask I'd suggest shopping for a truck with working A.C. in place.

 

Yes is can be added. You'll need a compressor,Receiver-Drier, A/C condenser & hoses & evaporator lines, fan belt & possibly different crankshaft pulley.Possibly high & low switches, and and A/C switch on the dash.
All those are in the engine compartment and relatively easy to get to.
The hard part is the A/C evaporator core and lines behind the dashboard.
You also don't want to get these at the salvage yard because of contaminates in the system.
New- A/C Compressor and condenser set -$205.00
Receiver Drier $23.00
Evaporator core $225.00
A/C Compressor hoses $160.00 (pair)
A/C hard lines- $160.00 (pair)
Labor to install components-$900
Labor & installation of refrigerant- $200

 

This.

It is of course possible, but unless you're looking at some sort of unicorn truck, I'd skip it and look for a truck with a/c.

 

Yes you can.

It's a lot of work, it's expensive, I don't know of anybody that has attempted it, and I would highly suggest you just find a truck with AC.

 

Ditto!

 

I put A/C in my old '91. I used Arizona Mobile Air (http://www.ackits.com). That was easier than trying to source a system from a wrecked truck because back then it still used R12 and not R134.

So the kit already had an upsized compressor and a bracket to mount it in the stock location. It otherwise fit like factory parts, dash button into existing harness wiring, etc. It required a couple of splices but nothing complex.

With a Tacoma, I'd just get the pieces from a junk yard. My guess is all trucks will have the wiring in place for A/C and it would be all plug-and-play.

 

Nothing to it.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Car_cooler

 

It's stylish as well as functional.

 

Check out @cazinpa's build. I'm pretty sure he put a/c in his regular cab. I'm sure he could help you out.

 

Yes, I did this to my 96 2.7l. I found a guy on Craigslist parting a truck and bought everything I needed.

Needed the evaporator, condenser, compressor and brackets, idler pulley, crank pulley, ac switch, condenser/dryer with connecting hose, and high/low pressure hoses.

Wiring was all there (at least for my year), idle up is built in somehow, the relay is a part of the evaporator assembly and is plug and play.

It was dead simple. Took 2-3 hours including putting in a new expansion valve and charging.

I goofed a little - parts were from newer truck. I bought a condenser for my year and the hose from the dryer to the condenser was different. I ended up getting the correct one from Toyota and that set me back a little.

With the Craigslist parts, new dryer, condenser, expansion valve, orings and freon I think I had about $400 to $450 into it.

If you don't have the tools and know-how to charge it you will have to add that to the price.

Here is my Craigslist haul!

 

If it were me and I had factory donor parts I would go for it... the issue with aftermarket parts is they are aftermerket parts... spent too much time chasing expansion valves the were not quite right.

 

Well the guy is selling it for 3500 it has 134k miles on it and I’m hoping I can bring him down to 3000 or 3200.

I really appreciate all your help and concerns, it’s like have a lot of dads/brothers.

I also have an automatic Tacoma that has 300k miles on it, and I might take parts from that.

I’ll make sure to look @cazinpa thred to get an idea what I’m getting my self in to. Thanks again

 

My truck did not have AC when I bought it in 1997, I took the bullet back then and had an after market kit installed for around 1000 back in the day.

They still do this service

https://www.maxaircolorado.com/air-conditioning.html

 

No shit... didn't realize this existed. How does the system work on your truck?

 

I have an AC system from an 01 4runner for sale if you're interested, also located in Orlando, system is still sealed and was working before I decommissioned the 4Runner, the parts should all bolt right over assuming your Taco you're buying amhas the 3.4 v6.

 

Works just like a factory setup but the compressor and parts are aftermarket,
My compressor lasted 400,000 miles before I needed a new one, so was worth every penny. Had a new compressor installed and still works perfectly