ClassicRetrofit AC on 1968 SWB?

Bill5900 · 07-17-2021, 09:09 AM

Hello. I have been following the different threads on installing the CR system on later cars. Many, many thanks for those sharing info and answering me questions. My SWB doesn't seem to have the various elements of later cars. I attach two photos of the frunk, and a schematic from my owner's manual accurately showing what I have (less the rear defroster). There are two things, maybe more, in this that present additional challenges.

First of all, Johnny from CR kindly returned an email I sent. For the SWB, he stated that the strut supporting the cowl, and then welded to the frunk floor, needs to be removed. It appears in my photos in the center of the frunk opening (second photo left side shows it best). if I understand the drawing on CR's website, that is needed to fit the rectangular part of the CR blower into the fresh air vent positioned on the dash just inside the windshield. I am very reluctant to make this cut. I have no idea if it will affect structural rigidity, but it seems very invasive. So first question, if the CR blower needs a fresh air inlet, could it be connected by hose to the car fresh air inlet? Or can it be capped? This is setting aside of course the space available in the car to mount the CR blower lower or elsewhere in the frunk. Perhaps someone will tell me the measurements of the CR Blower.

Secondly, I don't think I have the Porsche Blend Valve that is shown by CR to direct AC into the footwell. I have no openings in the footwell for air to enter that area. The only openings I have are for the heating system (to the heater slides along the rocker and the connections to the vents at the edge of the dash along the windshield). After reading the other threads I think I can cut holes for the AC into the footwells and piggy back on those for recirculating warm air from the cabin as well. Or I might bring recirculated air in from the defrosters on either side of my fresh air inlet.

I hope this makes sense. I don't think I have a problem mounting two compressors or getting AC air into the cabin. Many thanks for reading thru all this.

Jonny H · 07-18-2021, 06:59 AM

You will definitely need to remove the coal supper bar. Porsche had to do this also on the later cars.

Here’s a SWB install:

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bf3W1zshf2q/?utm_medium=copy_link

Bill5900 · 07-18-2021, 08:37 AM

Thanks Johnny. It looks like the installer removed the yellow fiberglass air plenum for air intake in my car and fitted your blower in its place. And the fresh air part of your blower was locked from taking in fresh air. This is looking less and less like a DIY for me. I’ll just leave the window open

.

Jonny H · 07-18-2021, 11:16 AM

Another option would be to find a later 911 smuggler’s box type evaporator/blower and use our ‘half kit’.

Bill5900 · 07-19-2021, 02:31 AM

Johnny, thanks for your response. Thé Instagram référence is much appreciated. For a couple of reasons, I prefer not to undertake this myself. But having thought about it, I do want to go forward with your complete kit. Can you refer me to someone who installs? I am in the northeastern US, so that is better. But any US or possibly eastern Canada location I can consider. Thank you.

PS DM if you prefer.

Nditiz1 · 07-19-2021, 09:17 AM

Bill - not sure how far away from Delaware you are, but I heard RSWerks has done several of these kits. You should check them out.

Bill5900 · 07-19-2021, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nditiz1

Bill - not sure how far away from Delaware you are, but I heard RSWerks has done several of these kits. You should check them out.

Thanks! I’m close enough. All small states here.

Bill5900 · 07-23-2021, 08:05 AM

@Nditiz1 RSWerks has indeed installed many CR kits. (Though they are actually in SE PA—so no crossing the Delaware for you history buffs). I spoke with Nick at length. He’s quite happy with the CR systems and personally knows Johnny.

As to Johnny’s IG reference, after going over that, I do believe the builder did not install a fresh air input to the system. Perhaps Johnny can get more info on that. I personally don’t see a problem just using cabin air on recirc, and it does eliminate a step in installation. I have also thought there might be some novel ideas to route air using my SWB heating system.

Anyway, my system is ordered and I will outsource the install. But I will keep it documented and post here. Thanks to those posting on the installs. Until later....