AC system install on a 911t

[Jecster25]

I’m looking to buy a 1972-73 911t with out A/C. Can I have the original AC system option added? Help

[Hulley]

Probably go with the Classic Retrofit electric A/C. I'm going this route eventually but my SC came with A/C so not sure about a car that never had it.

[911 Rod]

Was it not a dealer install back then?

[EC900]

The AC would be a retrofit and some offerings plumb into the “original” ductwork, that’s about original looking as it gets.
The old dealer installed units had bulky under dash vent console fitted in place of the knee pad. I removed my AC and this vent box and will eventually find a replacement knee pad to keep it looking clean.
The old original AC performance has always been disappointing in warmer climates, but did the job as long as they were used. Most AC fails are due to lack of use which dries out the seals and that’s applies to all cars. Air cooled Porsches tend to be seasonal drivers and ac systems are idle for months year after year.

[RSTarga]

Griffiths is a better fit for older cars

[gremlin]

I did a Classic Retrofit on my '71 911 and couldn't be happier fairly easy install, super clean.

[fintstone]

Yep. As long as you can find the parts. Most folks would upgrade as the original system was not very effective. Most would get a modern compressor, condenser (maybe add one or two), evaporator, and barrier hoses (you could reuse the underdash vents which distribute air pretty well and keep it looking relatively original if you chose to upgrade).

You would also need a different pulley (if a non A/C car) with an extra groove to pull the belt to run the compressor).

[HarryD]

Originally Posted by 911 Rod

Was it not a dealer install back then?

My 1973.5 has “dealer” AC.

It has been removed and if I was to reinstall, I would go the electro cool route. Keeps the engine room clean, and is expected to be more effective.

[RSTarga]

IMHO even though the engine compartment is cleaned up, all those extra hoses in the trunk for electric are not my cup of tea. At least the installs I've seen here.
Still not seen real evidence that it will work in really hot climes.

[rrcrawford70s]

Originally Posted by gremlin

I did a Classic Retrofit on my '71 911 and couldn't be happier fairly easy install, super clean.

Can you post what vents you are using? The electric AC vents has the air blowing towards your knees? Did you modify to get more air directed to you face. Enough volume of air to feel it on the face of driver and passenger

[911 Rod]

I've been trying to sell my box of AC parts for years!

[RNajarian]

There was a time A/C threads were the Wild Wild West here at Pelican.

The subject has dozens (maybe over 100) of threads on the subject.

Below is a link to several of the threads I started here on Pelican. I reinstalled my dealer A/C with pretty good results using all used OEM equipment (except for the dryer.) Good luck with the project. Keep us updated.


https://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/769156-holy-grail-air-cooled-911-air-conditioning.html

[RSTarga]

Originally Posted by gremlin

I did a Classic Retrofit on my '71 911 and couldn't be happier fairly easy install, super clean.

Love to see pictures of your trunk, to see how you handled the ductwork

[Tremelune]

Originally Posted by Jecster25

I’m looking to buy a 1972-73 911t with out A/C. Can I have the original AC system option added? Help

The answer is yes, but it's about $5k in parts any way you slice it.

[Tremelune]

Originally Posted by gremlin

I did a Classic Retrofit on my '71 911 and couldn't be happier fairly easy install, super clean.

Where did you put the condensers? I have this dream of putting two up front, along with a Carrera fender cooler...and I'm not sure it's possible with those two battery boxes up front...

[hheine]

Originally Posted by Tremelune

Where did you put the condensers? I have this dream of putting two up front, along with a Carrera fender cooler...and I'm not sure it's possible with those two battery boxes up front...

No way around it you’ll need to cut into one of the battery boxes

[nztroy]

for those that took it out, can i have the under dash vents?!

[RSTarga]

Originally Posted by hheine

No way around it you’ll need to cut into one of the battery boxes

I always thought this too, until I saw a 73RS that Kondrasheim sold recently in BAT.
Since the euro cars did not have a fuel expansion tank in the left fender the car had a condenser with a fan in that location. Pretty slick. No rear condenser.
I don't know where you could relocate the tank for US cars.

[Bucketlist]

Several years ago I put an aftermarket ac in my SC Turbo which didn't have factory air. Retroair is out of business now but there are others selling a similar kit. My best advice is to use new state-of-the-art parts in whatever you do because the newer technology is well worth the money.
Retroair complete system in my non a/c car

[HarryD]

If it was me and getting all 100 points for the Concours was not important but being cool was, I would go with the ElectroCool system.

https://www.classicretrofit.com/en-us/products/air-conditioning-kit-for-classic-911-full-kit