Tacoma AC Condesation hose extension mod

As many know the AC condensate hose drips onto the frame. I've seen many versions of this mod but thought I'd share my experience in completing this mod.
I used a 5/8" ID clear reinforced tubing, it's what I had. Videos I watched said to watch you do not crush the stock tube when tightening. This gave me an idea. I've used brass sleeve bushings on plastic pipe being used on compression fittings. I bought a 7/16" sleeve at a local hardware store for $1.89

I used this inside the end of the stock drip tube to keep the tube from collapsing when I tightened the hose clamp around the extension hose. It was a snug fit but that's what you want.

Once the sleeve was in the tube, I had to heat the extension tube to flare the end a bit so it would fit easier over the stock tube. I used a propane torch and and a pair of long nose pliers to stretch the 5/8" ID tube slightly. Once this was done, the new tube fit over the stock tube. The hose clamp was placed so that it was over the area of the brass sleeve and tightened.

The hose was routed through the brake hard line loop. I fastened it to the hard line with a zip tie. I used a heat gun to soften the tube so I could form it to the shape I wanted. I ran it on the outside of the frame as shown. I installed a hose / cable clamp with rubber insert to hold the end of the new drip hose.

To fasten the clamp I used a 1/8" x 1/2" hex head self drilling screw into the frame. The hole was drilled and sprayed with undercoating before and after the installation of the clamp. Hose was cut below the frame to finish the job.

Here is the final end result.


I know it's a bit long winded but anytime someone has an idea, it pays to read several listings on it and it helps you form your own conclusion and sometimes improve on the idea.

 

Nice work with that flare. I like it.

I don't think that it will, but be sure that the tire will not rub your outlet location.

 

The compression fitting is a good idea. However I dont think it's a good idea to zip tie onto the hard brake line. Next time you should use an epoxy primer on bare metal first, not rubberized under coating.

 

Great write up, thank you

 

BTW, you should post this up in the sticky thread:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/rust-on-frame-with-a-c-drain-mod-fix.444138/

 

It was what I had on the shelf. Still better than nothing.

 

No rubbing of the tire, Hose is clear.

 

Still learning the website how to's... I've copied and pasted in the suggested thread. Tnx

 

I can't seem to locate that exact part at Home Depot and Lowes. Could you please provide a link from either (or both) hardware stores?

 

You're welcome!

 

You won't find it at Lowes or Home Depot. They don't carry them in that large a size. I found mine at a Mom & Pop hardware store near me in NJ. Best bet is a hardware store or try a plumbing supply. Sorry I don't have a URL for them. You can search for a 1/2" brass or stainless compression insert.

 

Nice job!!! Not cost effective in PNW though

 

i put my AC mod thru the front crossmember and let it drip thru there, nothing attached to brakes lines, just the frame.

 

And this is why I read this forum. Nice work and info everyone!

 

Check your local Ace Hardware:
https://www.acehardware.com/departments/plumbing/pipe-fittings/brass-fittings/41291

This could possibly work too:
https://www.acehardware.com/departments/plumbing/hoses-and-tubing/hose-connectors/4504619

 

Thanks for taking the time to document and share your solution

 

Thanks for the lead.

@Bob Jr - What is the correct size? 7/16" or 1/2"?

 

Nice work and write-up. This will be my next project.

 

Did you ever find out? Been pulling my hair out trying to find 7/16” and starting to think it’s a unicorn. Tried 5/8” and it was too small

 

I searched everywhere for the right size and visited all my local hardware stores and couldn’t find it so I eventually just did it without it and just used a hose clamp and it’s worked out well so far @Monster0Frankenstein