Installing AC on a '69 911 w/o factory AC

[Epic Erik]

I've been thinking of some possible configurations and wanted to see what people thought of the following:

Could the compressor be installed on the driver's side with a custom bracket since my dizzy will be deleted? There would also be extra space from the carb/intake since cyl #1 is further from the belt line. Additionally, could everything be run off a single serpentine belt? I was envisioning something like the Clewett pulleys with a longer belt, idler, and a guide.

[wwest]

Huge task.... best trade for one that has or had A/C.

[1968SWTs]

Outside of the missing two cuts in the smuggler's box, I would say a non/a/c car is fine. The new system can be far better than stock.
The stamps are there for where you need to cut.
Clewett can help you with the pulley after you get creative with the bracket. Often that side will be used for alternate heater controls. the stock hoses will not work with the deck lid condenser, but you can use the driver side rear wheel well front and rear.
Perhaps the most difficult thing to acquire are the plastic evaporator box. Although a couple of vendors make a reproduction that is probably higher quality than the original .
Dangerous subject on this board. PM for more. But there are exceptions. "kuehl" has been very helpful and extremely patient and generous on this site. You can go to griffiths.com and ask for a quote. It is too bad you don't have 240 volts AC on board - the electric compresser from a Toyota would work great up front

[kuehl]

LOL... don't sell the car, its a classic.

Here is a thread where a chap asked about a bracket and I noted an install
of a compressor in my 73T. If you search around the forum you may find another install like it.

AC compressor install in 73T

[jittsl]

Wwest is the weirdest poster. Sees something about AC and is compelled to respond. In this case he did his usual but was even more useless than normal.

Eric, not ever wanting to stop experimentation I almost want to remain silent but.... Why not just use the space that many many Porsches have used before? I. Think the serpentine is a great idea but since we know the compressor fits on the passenger side why reinvent the wheel?

The only difference between an AC car and a nonAC car is that one has an AC System installed and that a couple of holes needed to be drilled to accommodate the installation. There were no physical differences made in the manufacture of the car. It is literally a bolt-on option.

Speak to Mr Keuhl or one of the Texas AC suppliers - they have already solved this for you (except the serpentine) and improved greatly on the original system.

[GH85Carrera]

It is hard to argue with the engineers and designers at Porsche. They put the A/C where it is for a reason. No doubt cost was a major factor in their design. It was not a perfect design for sure, and can be improved with the hindsight of many years.

A custom designed bracket with serpentine belt would likely look cool and different. I see the custom hot rod builds and designers do that type of thing all the time.

If your wallet is deep that may be the way to go.

Personally I would call Griffith's and then the other AC distributors. I can tell you with 100% confidence the Griffith's solution will be top quality and it will make lots of cold air for the cabin. His tech support is what we all want from every company and it can't be beat.

[larrym]

guy tried that on a 914-6 a couple yrs ago - the compressor torque on the makeshift bracket eventually ripped out several engine & cam cover studs - expensive experiment

if you need a genuine 911 AC compressor bracket, i have one off an engine i sold

[wwest]

Originally Posted by kuehl

LOL... don't sell the car, its a classic.

Here is a thread where a chap asked about a bracket and I noted an install
of a compressor in my 73T. If you search around the forum you may find another install like it.

AC compressor install in 73T

It may be a "classic" but op either wishes to treat it as such or begin enhancements that move it away from that category.

Anyway, when did Porsche begin offering A/C for the 911?

I've always wanted a '57 T-bird but it would be sacrilege to convert it to disc brakes, etc etc,,,

[Epic Erik]

Originally Posted by larrym

guy tried that on a 914-6 a couple yrs ago - the compressor torque on the makeshift bracket eventually ripped out several engine & cam cover studs - expensive experiment

if you need a genuine 911 AC compressor bracket, i have one off an engine i sold

Larry,

That is a valid concern that has been running throught my mind. In the end, it will likely have to go on the passenger side with a standard, two V belt configuration. There is already an asymmetric scallop in the engine console that provides belt clearance to the right. It just seemed crowded with the intake, oil filler/filter, and such all on the same side.

I was hoping to balance the clutter and keep the addition of components as simple as possible with thoughtful integration, not merely bolt-on.

Thanks for all the comments. It's very helpful to bounce ideas off the collective group. The car is a keeper. It needs a lot of work and will be modernized.

[78-911SC]

Erik thinking about adding ac to my 70T during the restoration. Any idea as to the cost of such a venture? I have already found a under the dash Behr in excellent condition.

[1968SWTs]

ballpark -- $5,000 or less
$2600 plus some wrecking yard parts plus a lot of your labor plus charging at an A/C shop.
Or piece meal components and make up hoses at an A/C shop. Maybe you sae $1200 but add 40 hours. I have heard shops quote $5,000 for a turnkey installation
some items to collect - a/c/ bracket, resister pack, controls, protective bar and cage for front condenser.
You can go to griffiths.com and fill out the quote request form.

[fintstone]

I would suggest that you do not add a front condenser. It requires too much cutting (also bar and cage), and is vulnerable to damage. I have a Targa and certainly did not want to decease my structural rigidity any more. Install the dual Kuehl system in your driver's side rear wheel well and a modern one on your deck lid (like factory). It will not require any cutting (other than in the smuggler's box) and will work much better.

[78-911SC]

Fintstone what cutting needs to be done in the smuggler's box? I also read some where that if you are retro fitting an ac use the dual system in the driver's side rear wheel and deck lid.

[fintstone]

I assume you would use an SC or midyear type evaporator. you will need a hole from the evaporator to the under dash vents (evap output air) and one to the passenger floorboard(eval input air).

[fintstone]

Here is one from the inside of the car (passenger floorboard). Also note the one at the bottom of the smuggler's box for the evap drain.:

[78-911SC]

Hey thanks fint now I know exactly what you are talking about. Along with the under dash Behr I also have the triangular piece (I believe a resistor) shown in your picture. Along with those items I have also collected a compressor and ac bracket.

[DaveMcKenz]

Hi PJ,
It was period correct to add an evaporator box below the ashtray, and a compressor, bracket, condenser, hoses, etc. Behr made some boxes that fit below the dash and look good. You could have decent a/c function, and still a period look to your car. You may find modern vendors. or you may have to buy vintage.
Just an idea.
Also, with many guys deleting their a/c systems, you may find complete setups in the classifieds.
Good luck,
Dave

[78-911SC]

Dave have been kind of doing that. Just don't want to get to far ahead of myself acquiring pieces. Live in Florida and I'm hoping to get it better than my 78SC which at times struggles. Thanks for the input.

[kuehl]

Putting In a Behr Evap Box, easy steps.
For pre- 78 LH drive 911's, 912's and 930's.

Tools: A measuring tape, marker, a few hole saws, right angle drill,
sawall, safety glasses, vacuum cleaner.
Parts: good used complete Behr Evaporator box assembly,
suggested years 1970-1985
Time: 1 to hours tops.

Open front trunk, pull back carpet, open Smugglers Box Well Door,
drill 3/4" hole through bottom of tub for evap box bottom condensation
drain tube.


Drop in Behr Evap Box bottom drain tube into hole, align round air inlet hole
on (picture right) with driver's side air inlet stanchion pipe. Take pencil or marker, insert into
the trapezoid opening and scribe the passenger side bullhead wall.


Inside Smuggler's Box Well, use a 90 degree mika drill with hole saw,
drill all 4 corners of the trapezoid scribe onto the bulkhead.


Inside Passenger area, connect the dots, drawing the 4 sides
of the trapezoid with a marker on the bulkhead, you can flip the plastic
air intake trapezoid over and trace if you like.


Take a Sawsall or your favorite tool and cut the remainder of the trapezoid out.


Place the Behr Evaporator box bottom back in the Smuggler's Box well.
Insert the plastic air intake trapezoid through the new bulkhead hole and
into the Behr box bottom. Pilot drill the four holes to hold it in place.
Insert sheet metal screws. If you wish, you can place a thin strip of insulation
on the back side of the trapezoids flanges (not much air or moisture
will come through if you did a close cut). This vehicle was getting a
Kuehl Variable Fan Speed Controller for the evaporator motor so the fan
speed resistor pack was removed.


If you attached the Behr Knee Pad Panel to the bottom of the dash
(there are a half a dozen existing timmerman nut holders under
the dash to insert 5 mm timmermans; and you will use 5mm screws) you will
see where to drill the clearance hole in the bulkhead for the air tube from
the evaporator box to the Knee Pad Vent Panel

[DaveMcKenz]

If you can follow Kuehl's lead, that is ideal. I still don't have an idea of your DIY skills.
good luck,
Dave