Is it possible to install A/C on a 1965 911?
 

I have an original, unmolested 1965 911--even has original paint and blaupunkt am/fm radio. It would be my perfect dream car, EXCEPT for the fact that it doesn't have A/C. Now, I live in So Cal, and I actually consider this to be a necessity for me to be able to drive the car during the daytime. The hitch is there is absolutely no provision for A/C within the car (no vents, doesn't even have a heater). Is it possible to add A/C to it, and do it in such a way that I don't have to make severe modifications to it as to seriously affect its originality? Anyone know what units I should use? Thanks.

Paul

You can install the system used in the '70/'71 911's if you can find a good one. I have a factory installed one in my '71T and it works great. The vent and control is long and narrow and attaches to the bottom of the dash.

Paul,

I'm sure any of the early factory Behr systems used prior to the '74 models can be fitted, but the effectiveness is questionable???

I've had my '71T since '78 and at times with temp at 85 to 90 deg. I've had to turn it down.

I've got A/C on my '72 911T, and can't use it above 95F because the engine overheats. D'oh...

If you don't have that problem, this should work - you will need to drill some holes to run the hoses, and I think it assumes you have the unit in the "smuggler's box" in the front trunk, and the deck lid mounted condenser. Everything else gets replaced with new parts.

http://www.griffiths.com/porsche/ac/ice/mrice1.htm


-Boyo

Two significant holes have to be cut in the front "firewall"; one under and forward of the passenger side floorboard and one just forward of the shifter under the dash. Holes have to be cut into the front wheel case (inner fender) to allow entry of the A/C refrigerant hoses into the smugglers box and most importantly an auxilliary external oil cooler system will be required. Between these two systems, I estimate the car will gain around 130lbs of weight, some knee room will be lost and of course the performance of the car will be significantly degraded when the A/C compressor is running. My estimate of refurbishing and installing used systems (A/C and oil cooler) is $2500-$3000 including labor. Cheers, Jim

A/c can be installed in the early chassis (we did a 66 911), BUT we had to cut open the smuggler's box to accomodate the evaporator unit, cut the front pan for the front condenser, and we recommend the install of an external oil cooler system. With a rotary compressor, new lines, receiver/drier, and expansion valve, we use a combination of several early years' parts to complete the system. Contact us directly for a quote

There is a guy on ebay Item #1849169466 that is selling a complete A/C system from a '70 911. The under dash unit looks really nice. I am retrofitting an A/C in my '72 911. I purchased an '85 dash and I am considering using a C2 setup in the rear wheel well.

Jon

Hey you rock!! Thanks for the Ebay tip!
 

Thanks Kretzj!!

Make sure you get every bit of the system. On some of the systems for carb and MFI models there were special linkages (for the carb or MFI) between the two sides required to clear the A/C equipment (rear deck mounted condenser?) and I doubt your E-bay seller is going to want to part with such a piece but you'll likely need it. Some of the OEM 1970 compressor mounting brackets were very marginal; they mounted off extended right chain case cover holding studs (4mm?)! If you get the 1970 system you will likely want to also obtain the much more robust 1973 and later compressor bracket which mounted off the console around the engine crank pulley, the right cam tower and a strut projecting from the upper stud mounting the right chain case to the engine case. Cheers, Jim

We tried the C2 condenser rear wheel well set up on Jack Olsen's 73 car complete with high speed blower= no good. Head pressures just got too high , here in L.A. , and overworked the compressor- Kablooey!. Performance Air used to sell a similar set up and abandoned it as well. For the best performance we suggest (on a 65-68) underdash diffuser from a Behr factory system, rotary compressor, front tub and rear grill condensers, late evaporator in the smuggler's box, Performance Air undercar condenser, and new barrier hoses/ receiver drier. 69-76 cars can also update their dashes to the large center vent style, fresh air box(smaller side flanges allowing the clean install of the behind dash funnel) and appropriate tubing. The Kuehl vent is a decent alternative (but not as good as) the large Behr underdash diffuser, if looks are a concern

There is a company in San Diego that specializes in retro-fit air conditioning systems for German cars and has a kit for the 911.

http://www.iceac.com/

Rich

Nothing is impossible.