Compact electric A/C unit ??

[prebordao]

This hot summer led me to think: is there any compact, electric A/C unit that we can retrofit to an old 911 ?

[sobamaflyer]

One of those strapped in the back seat and a really really long extension cord?

(sorry, I couldn't resist.....although your thought bears some kind of research given all the new hybrids with an a/c that most of us are unfamiliar with)

[GothingNC]

Window swamp cooler?

[prebordao]

Ok, now I know that an electric A/C takes too much power for our alternators and batteries, but what about other kind of less efficient A/C like an evaporative... ?

[scottrx7tt]

im sure you could affix one of those window a/c units out the side of one of the quarter windows! Ive seen lots of vans do that before.

[prebordao]

Any experience with something like this ?

!12-Volt Portable Coolers by Swampy.

[sobamaflyer]

First let me say it's a little "ghetto", but before I spent $700 on one of the ones you linked to I'd try to make my own like this:

Portable 12V Air Conditioner --Cheap and easy!

I do have experience with swamp coolers, and as long as you are moving they do provide a bit of cool air (but the sweat pouring off my body does too....as long as I'm moving )

honestly, I think you are stuck with "suck it up while it's hot as hell outside" or fix your car's a/c. I'll do the latter in a few years after I've addressed all the more important things.

[prebordao]

Yes, I knew how they worked so I was tempted to do my own version, and maybe will... I bookmarked the instructable, it might come handy.

PS - my car doesn't have AC. it was first registered in coooold Germany...

[Porsche-O-Phile]

Drive faster.

[prebordao]

no good at 35C

[EarlyPorsche]

A swamp cooler has the side benefit of rusting out our already rust prone vehicles faster, hence you can then replace the panels with lighter/stronger materials.

[wwest]

In my experience a discomforting August climate(Memphis), HEAT, often comes with elevated humidity levels. Elevated humidity levels prevent the human body's own A/C, evaporation of skin perspiration, from being fully functional.

Yes, swamp coolers will cool the atmosphere noticeably, but will also raise the humidity level dramatically.

Catch 22.

[brads911sc]

AC is usually "all" (big bucks) or none (roll down your windows) unless you live in a very moderate (not hot and humid) climate. Those that live in the Northern half of the US can probably get away with charging their system, changing a component or two and living relatively cool. Average highs are in the low 80's even in August in many of those areas.
Those of us with ambients 5 months out of the year at 90 + need to spend significant amounts of money, and change significant components to stay comfortably cool.
The issue with these solutions is 1. that they dont work well in high humidity situations... and 2. you have to roll up your windows to capture the cooler air, but they dont typically blow enough cooler air to offset the heat being generated, you will just end up sweating... Your face made be cool, but your back will be soaking wet..
Id spend my $ elsewhere...