Hot part of the USA and no AC

seymore · 05-20-2008, 11:36 AM

How many people live in a hot area? And are there any tricks to stay cool? There was a car that drove by me the other day with a solar fan in the window. Anything like this that has worked for others? Thanks

fred cook · fred cook's Garage

You want hot, come on down to South Georgia this summer. I'll show you what hot really is like! Try 100+ degrees F. and 80+% humidity!

seymore · 05-20-2008, 11:55 AM

Thats about what it is here!

rouxroux · 12:18 PM

Hot/humid here in Louisiana...How about finding a reproduction "swamp cooler" forced air window unit? (You could always tell everyone it was a JATO unit). It would help a bit on a long trip,

If you really need a "quick/dirty" emergency option for your car/boat, Google "Kooleraire"...Might make a long trip bearable if you just HAVE to transport a car in the heat of summer.

bivenator · 05-20-2008, 12:21 PM

Not practical for everyday but on the hottest summer days here in TX I will pack 1 gallon ziplocks with ice and stick it between chest and seatbelt. The 5 point really holds it tight. Relatively comfortable on trips between Austin and Houston.

gerrygug · gerrygug's Garage

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Thermador-Car-Cooler-Swamp-Cooler-50s-lowrider_W0QQitemZ260240276365QQcmdZViewItem?hash= item260240276365&
Here's a solution.

rouxroux · 05-20-2008, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gerrygug

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Thermador-Car-Cooler-Swamp-Cooler-50s-lowrider_W0QQitemZ260240276365QQcmdZViewItem?hash= item260240276365&
Here's a solution.

Good find Gerry! That's an original!!!!! One on each side for the JATO look! I had one of those about 30 years ago, and the only downside was the noise and the dripping. But hey, it DID take the "edge" off.

seymore · 05-20-2008, 12:36 PM

I was hoping for something a little smaller. with all the technology now a days you would think there would be something.

rfuerst911sc · 05-20-2008, 12:55 PM

Without sounding like a smarta$$ how about AC ? You didn't list the model of car but if a Porsche working,reliable AC is an option but it costs money. If you can do the work yourself it costs less. If you pay a pro it costs more. Other than that I don't think there is anything else that can tackle the heat and humidity.

RarlyL8 · RarlyL8's Garage

Try living in the South driving a non-sunroof coupe with fixed rear windows and factory A/C delete.

It can get warm here in Northern AL. I'm from IL so summer is the new winter to me. My car goes into hibernation and gets maintenance and mods done from June to August. I have toyed with the idea of adding custom hidden A/C like the old hotrods use.

Other than that you add pop-out rear windows and pray for no traffic jams.

.

tcar · 05-20-2008, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seymore

How many people live in a hot area? And are there any tricks to stay cool? There was a car that drove by me the other day with a solar fan in the window. Anything like this that has worked for others? Thanks

You don't tell us what your car is...

I got a set of operating front vent windows and took out the fixed. Helps hugely... as long as you're moving. It's a targa, so no pop-out rear windows.

seymore · 05-20-2008, 01:29 PM

Sorry. I have an 82 SC has AC but it doesnt work. So i was going to upgrade to the r314a kit but Pelican is out of stock. So looking for other ideas.

Peter Zimmermann · 05-20-2008, 02:06 PM

Ahhh, misery loves company! Here in Bakersfield, CA we've already had a couple of 100+ days, and my '82 SC with its crummy, owner-delete A/C has been put back in the darkest, coolest corner of the garage until the weather is once again fit for humans. It's not unusual for Central CA to experience a string of 14 or more straight days of 100+, so we go the opposite of, say, MN. We put our cars away, except for the unlikely emergency, for the summer, and enjoy them all through the fall, winter, and spring.

GH85Carrera · GH85Carrera's Garage

The only real choice is A/C. I put in the Griffith's system. It was not cheap but the A/C flat out works now. There are some other solutions out there. I went with Griffith's and I know first hand his stuff is high quality not cheap junk. Do a search on the site for A/C upgrades and you will find a lot of advice.

tcar · 05-20-2008, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seymore

Sorry. I have an 82 SC has AC but it doesnt work. So i was going to upgrade to the r314a kit but Pelican is out of stock. So looking for other ideas.

Have R12 put in it. Works better than R134a. Did that w/ my '79 SC w/ stock factory system. Took off the bowtie, mad a little duct pointing at me and it worked really very well.

tcar · 05-20-2008, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seymore

Sorry. I have an 82 SC has AC but it doesnt work. So i was going to upgrade to the r314a kit but Pelican is out of stock. So looking for other ideas.

Have R12 put in it. Works better than R134a. Did that w/ my '79 SC w/ stock factory system.

Took off the bowtie, made a little duct pointing at me and it worked really very well.

rusnak · 05-20-2008, 04:27 PM

Pete:

Are you ready for more 105F+ weather? I think two years ago we were at like 45 days of 100+ weather in Fresno.

Seymour:
I'm afraid that you're going to need AC. R12 is the best way to go, but you have to balance the cost of R12 against the cost of 134a. I went with the ProCooler, the Kuehl (or however you spell that darn name) center vent, ND compressor, 134a conversion, and darker tinted windows. It works fine for me unless the weather gets over 105F, then I just park and don't drive. I make it a point to evacuate and recharge the 134a system every year because the stuff just leaks out through my old R12 hoses.

Other practical things: park in the shade, buy a highly reflective windshield shade (mine looks like a mirror) and park facing the sun, buy a roll down side window shade that sticks to the window, buy a highly reflective car cover.

euro911sc · euro911sc's Garage

My AC system is great... Its called a radar detector, my right foot, and an open road... And I need it as I'm in FL with a black car and no interior.... just sheet metal between me and the engine. Frankly I didn't find it too bad a few summers ago when my car was actually running. I don't mind it now, either, as my other car has no working AC as well... hrmnnn... maybe I'm just strange...

Best regards,

Michael

gunlover05 · 05-20-2008, 05:12 PM

I have a black on black coupe, and yes i remove the AC...I live in an area that gets hot in the summer @ humidity...what helps?

tinted windows
crack windows when parked
front reflective window shield when parked

I drive all summer no problems, just roll the drivers window down and off i go...
don't miss the AC and get to listen to waaaaahhh, waaaahhh of my M&K

RoninLB · 05-20-2008, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bivenator

Not practical for everyday but on the hottest summer days here in TX I will pack 1 gallon ziplocks with ice and stick it between chest and seatbelt. The 5 point really holds it tight. Relatively comfortable on trips between Austin and Houston.

A small wet towel or rag around neck and shoulders helps me on 110F desert drives.