QuestionI have 93 toyota pickup that desperately needs an airconditioning installed for this sweltering San diego heat. Any tips you could give concerning where to consider getting the system, what to expect with installation and what the price range should be would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
AnswerOK, I take it that the vehicle was NOT built with the manufacturers A/C system already installed.
My best and the most easiest system to purchase is a little more expensive to purchase but very much easier to install is the manufacturers A/C system as it will come with all the necessary components and wiring harnesses necessary for the original factory look installation of which will give you a higher resale value than installing a GENERIC system where you have to cut and splice wiring and when finally fully installed is very unpleasent to look at due to numerous electrical splicing of the wiring harnesses.
The factory system will naturally cost you approximately $200.00 more than a GENERIC but you will be much happier with it's performance and appearance vs the GENERIC.
The cost of a factory system would be approx $400 to $600 for the kit, But I would make some inquiries to different dealers for a price.
As to the difficulty of installation, On a scale of 1 being EASY and 10 being difficult I would put it at about a 5 or 6 provided you have the necessary equipment and mechanical skills to install it PROPERLY.
I have installed several factory A/C systems in numerous manufacturers vehicles over the years and was very pleased on the parts of the kit that looked like a factory installed system vs a GENERIC.
You also have to look at replacement parts later on down the road that you may need to purchase. You can always get a factory kit part from the manufacturer of your vrhicle and or at a salvage yard, Of which I would only consider as the last option to obtain the necessary part.
Let's say you install a generic system made by HIGH DESERT A/C, Not a real name just an example and 4 years down the road a part fails and you discover that HIGH DESERT A/C has gone out of business. Where are you going to get your part that you need ?.
Stick with a manufacturers system and you will be much happier than with a GENERIC system.
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