'88 911 a/c problem

I'm the proud new owner of a 1988 911, and absolutely love it. I'm an FSU student in FL, and our cool season is almost over. Here are my questions.

1. After complete dis and re-assembly of my interior for a re-dye project, my fan switch will only work on the high setting. low and med don't work at all, but did before my project. Do you think the switch itself is bad?

2. The previous owner refilled the freon every year, after the cold season. Is that more often than normal, given the semi-porous hoses?

****3. What can be done to increase the cooling effectiveness? Has anyone ever tried installing a cooling fan under the decklid to keep air flowing through the radiator in traffic? I've heard of people modifying the underdash vent to where it sends air towards the occupants instead of toward the door. Has anyone had any success with this?

Thanks in advance for help. It gets really hot down here, so any help would be greatly appreciated.

David:

Congratulations on your "new" 911. I used to live in Orlando while with Disney, so I think I know some things about warm weather. So to answer your questions:

1. Yes, check the switch itself. You may have gotten some of the wires loose. It;s very easy to check. Just pull the switch and see if all is connected.
2. The previous owner might have been very conservative. It is usually not necessary to replenish that frequently. My SC usually needs a charge after about 3 years. Note, however, that my 1986 Mazda commuter car has never had a recharge in 13 years. Perhaps the Japanese know something about hoses that Posche AG does not. And the Mazda cools much better than the Porsche.
3. A very easy modification is to remove the diverter from the under-dash outlet. This can be done by just unscrewing two screws. The diverter can be located by turning on the AC, and feeling where the air exists under the dash. By so doing, this will allow the air to exit straight ahead, instead of being split left and right. It is a very easy fix, and does not cost a penny. If, however, you have a center console that might block the air flow, it won't be as effective. Try it, you have nothing to lose, since you can always replace it.

By the way, don't forget that hot air rises, and cool air falls, so you want to get the cool ait up as high as possible under the roof of your car. That's why air ducts to AC are usually in the dash, and heat ducts are ususally under the dash. In this case, the AC outlet under the dash is there because Porsche was probably trying to get as much air into the cabin as they could, and older cars didn't have very large dash outlets. The newer one have MUCH larger outlets.

But with the removal of the diverter, nice cold air will be hitting your torso, not your legs, and that will make you feel cooler.....Andras