Adding A/C to a '76

[Phil-NV]

Greetings all, I'm new to this message board and am contmeplating a 911 purchase. Can any one give me an idea of what's involved in adding A/C to say a '76 911 that doesn't have it. The engine in the car once had A/C ( i think) but the car itself isn't plummed for it. Any help or suggestions appreciatted.
Phil

[scottb]

Cotact Scott's Independent. They're the experts for P-car a/c. Be prepared for sticker shock.

Good luck.

[Howard M]

Careful. The reason so many of us removed the A/C from our 75-76-77 is because the engines tend to run warm even without the added thermal stress of the A/C. My A/C was more of an engine heater than a cab cooler. I'm sure a modern system can be installed in the car, but plan on auxiliary oil cooler(s) for sure. As an interesting side note, all 75-77 A/C systems were installed at Port Newark, not Germany, by installers that varied in the quality of their work. For instance, the rear wall of my smuggler's box was removed with dull tin snips.

Howard

[Phil-NV]

car has a '79 3.0 motor in it, if that makes any difference

[Jim Savage]

Phil,

Was thinking about removing my AC (all parts) from my 76.
Interested in the pieces???

Jim

[aigel]

Phil:

I'd try to find a car that has a working a/c system. There is no way around having good a/c in NV. To get a stock 911 a/c to work very well, it will still need upgrades (e.g. condensor and compressor). To get this car there (with none of the plumbing there) will be a real PITA and very expensive, if you have it done.

The car sounds a bit like a frankenstein and unless it is real cheap, you probably can do better. SCs should be in the same price range. See if you can't find one with a/c that's working or at least all present!

George

[Phil-NV]

George thanks for your input. I was thinking the same after doing a little research here on the subject. Here is the car I am considering.

76 911 for 9.5 in AZ

Thanks, Phil

[aigel]

That's a nice looking car. If you like the wide body, you'll be hard pressed to find anything factory in that price range. However, the A/C issue remains. On a big classic US car or a custom hot rod there is custom a/c sytems you can have put in for under 2k (company called Vintage Air), unfortunately I think it would be much more on a 911. I just removed all my a/c bits. It is unbelievable what all goes in there. The couple freon lines going from the front to the back and vice versa must be 8 foot long.

For about 5k more you can find a super nice SC or a very good Carrera. For about 8k more you'll find a decent factory wide body. I'd go that route. You may not ever plan to sell, but I always keep that in mind too. That car will bring 10k with a great a/c also. You will never get your a/c investment back.

Good Luck!

George

[Phil-NV]

Jim, I could be interested if I buy the car. This is one I'm considering..
76 911 for 9.5 in AZ

Aigel, some great info you shared. Yeah I prefer the widebody / 930 look. (or 951) Maybe I should hold out and spend more on the initial purchase. I have missed a couple cars but I guess the right one will come along sooner or later. I was leaning towards the targa (link) since it was somewhat close by and looks pretty decent.
Thanks.... Phil

[Jim Savage]

Phil,
I would sell the parts cheap as I can't quarantee everything works. Mainly would be good for the under dash setup and hoses. You can contact me at Jsavage489@aol.com for ph # when and if you get the car.

Jim

[john hejmanowsk]

Phil, it's really not that tough a project, provided you do the work yourself and take it slow - there is a lot of 'measure twice, cut once'. I ripped out the 'factory' system from my '77 and then added a '74 under-dash plenum (the thin behr unit), '85 rear condensor, '85 evaporator, '85 compressor, '85 alum bracket, 964 front left fender condensor, and a procooler, new hoses, new wiring. Bought everything used but the procooler. The toughest part was the bottom of the smugglers box has a vent into the cabin tunnel for warm air return. Had to get this section from a rust bucket donor car. Also, find a plasma cutter that you can borrow - most helpful. I run 134 with vent temps in the low 40's, works great. Oh, I've also got a front carrera oil cooler with fan to help the engine heat issue.

Now that I've said all that, Tom Woodford was right, it is a big project, but not a tough one. It was probably $1,000 in used parts if I added everything up.

That's a great looking car you're thinking about.....

John H.

[aigel]

Originally posted by john hejmanowsk
... it's really not that tough a project, provided you do the work yourself ...

Also, find a plasma cutter that you can borrow - most helpful.

....

That's funny. "The job isn't bad at all, *if* you have a plasma cutter!" Just goes to show, to a real gerhead, nothing's hard.

John, you are actually providing great info, showing that if you go with used parts, you don't have to break the bank to do this. Most people rip the A/C out, not install it, which probably makes good used a/c parts very affordable. You also have to mention though, that if you do this yourself, you'll need a vacuum pump to evacuate the system and compressed air to thorroughly flush the system with alcohol or another detergent. Or did you have an a/c shop do that work? Also, if you have any leaks, you'll need a good leak detector to find the bad spot.

Cheers, George

[Phil-NV]

The install wouldn't be that big a deal. I think I could figure it out. If not I have a few friends here that would be great help....Thanks for all the input guys....This is definately helping in my decision.