Anyone added A/C to your 356

[356_newbie]

I have seriously been thinking about purchasing a 356, but my one drawback is no A/C. I know they make an A/C add-on kit for VW, so I was wondering if the gurus here think it would be possible to modify that to fit on a 356 without costing 10K+ or if there is a method for adding it on using 911 parts or something similar.

Thanks

[Wayne 962]

You could buy one of those very early A/C type units that hang out of the car. I have seen them on American cars, but not on 356s.

Or you can buy a cabriolet! In general, A/C on the 356 is just not an option...

-Wayne

[derwhite]

While Porsche never, I say NEVER, offered an A/C unit as a factory accessory for 356 Porsches, there was an A/C unit
installed in 356 Porsches that was "officially" authorized by
Porsche. It was called "PorscheAir" by Delanair and was distributed by Porsche of America Corporation and installed
by Porsche Dealers. The Delanair is the same unit that was
installed in VW's of the mid-1960's. I have a copy of the PorscheAir sales brochure, the instructions manual and the separate parts manual. The compressor was mounted in
the engine compartment driven by a belt off the crankshaft.
The problem with this unit was that it took a fair amount of
power to run it. I remember buying new a 66 VW with this
same Delanair unit. It worked great in the summer in Tucson in
part because of the relatively small area inside a VW, but
when when the AC compressor kicked in, you definitely slowed down. There are a few 356 Porsches here in Phoenix with original dealer installed Delanair units. Another supplier of after market
AC units was Artic-Kar of Dallas Texas. I have the manual for
this unit as well. Several times over the last several years, I have heard of custom installers who were custom building AC units
for 356 Porsches, based on units installed in later 911's.

Regards,

Charlie White
Scottsdale, Arizona

[356_newbie]

thanks that was what I was looking for.

[NickGrillo]

Derwhite..........

i have recently purchased a 67 vw bug and it has the delnair system installed and is missing the compressor and i don't know where to begin to look for one this message is aimed towards derwhite since you have heard of the system, i have searched online and cannot find a website for delanair. if you have anby information for me i would be wxtremely grateful, thanks, nick grillo

[id10t]

My dad had an Artic-Kar unit installed when he bought what is now my 356 new... exactly 40 years ago today (7/26)!