A/C questions

914GT · 08-03-2004, 06:02 PM

My air conditioning parts showed up on my doorstep this afternoon. The parts are the original 914 underdash evap unit, trunk condensor, and compressor. I'm going through it to basically refurbish it and decide whether or not I can, or want, to use it. So here's the first thing I ran in to that I could use some help with. The picture shows the outlet side of the evaporator. It looks to me that's it's been bent over and originally was straight. Is this correct? The tubing is not blocked off but has to be severely restricted. Before I cut the end off and silver-solder the fitting on can someone confirm that this is damaged? I'm sure I'll have more questions after this one. Thanks.

Clay Perrine · 08-04-2004, 04:08 AM

It is bent. The evaporator looks like a VPC unit, and that is the low pressure fitting. It certaily won't work lke that.

What are you doing for a compressor?

914GT · 08-04-2004, 07:40 AM

Thanks Clay. It looked obviously wrong to me, but with the old insulation putty still on it and no apparent stress cracks I wanted to make sure it wasn't a peculiar design fix they came up with. I have the original compressor I'm starting to go through but it's big and heavy and I don't think I'll use it. The more I think if it, the less these parts appeal to me. I really don't want that ugly thing under my dash and have to tear out my console. What I really want is a heater core/evap unit in the space where my old airbox used to be.

Clay Perrine · 08-04-2004, 07:45 AM

I am creating an AC unit that fits in the fresh air blower location, but it doesn't have a heater core. It's for my /6 conversion. It's an awful tight fit in there with the wiper motor and the gas tank, so I don't think that it wil fit with a heater core. You could put the core in the engine compartment and blow air through the heater ducts like they did at the factory.

Good luck.

914GT · 08-04-2004, 07:52 AM

Clay - are you 'rolling your own' or buying something like from Vintage Air?

Clay Perrine · 08-04-2004, 07:54 AM

Building it from stuff I have laying around the garage.

Vintage air doesn't make a unit for the 914.

914GT · 08-04-2004, 08:08 AM

True, they don't make a unit specific to a 914. But they make some compact heater/evap/defrost units that might work with some creative ductwork. I haven't looked at this too seriously but I still might. Here's a drawing of one of their units:

Amark · 08-04-2004, 10:58 AM

Guy,

I might have an extra evaporator core like the one in your photo.

914GT · 08-04-2004, 11:13 AM

Hey, thanks for the offer Mark. I'll let you know if something unexpected prevents me from repairing it.

John2kx · John2kx's Garage

Here's the unit I recently installed from Renegade. It's a a/c evap and heater core in one.

John

RD Evans · 08-04-2004, 05:38 PM

This one looks allot like the original and they have a remote condenser that could be placed in the front trunk like the original installs. I know that cutting the trunk isn't desirable, but mine was already done and to make my car a nice daily driver it has to have air.

Clay, I've heard that your wife's 914 has cold air. I think James West mentioned it when I meet him at WCC.

RD Evans · 08-04-2004, 05:41 PM

RD Evans · 08-04-2004, 05:42 PM

http://www.hotrodair.com/pg2a.cfm

914GT · 08-04-2004, 06:11 PM

That hotrodair unit looks identical to the CCCool (VW Products) unit I have. They must have bought the design. Do you know what they cost new? Condenser not much of a problem as I have a radiator up front. Think I'll use a full-size Chevy condensor, it'll cool better with R134. Guess I'll keep thinking about the dash unit for awhile.

RD Evans · 08-04-2004, 06:25 PM

I have one of their catalogs but I can't put my hands on it now. Seems like the price was pretty reasonable...maybe less the $300. I priced an entire system with new rotary compressor, remote condenser, etc. and it was less than $900. I've talked to Vintage Air before and they were not too interested in 914's. On the other hand, Hot Rod Air was very helpful and I feel confident they could put together a nice NEW system that would be great in our cars. I have a complete "original" system in my car now but I'm not going to throw any money at a 30 year old system when I can buy a new one for $900.

Clay Perrine · 08-05-2004, 04:34 AM

I did a 134a conversion on a DPD unit. I used an rotary compressor kit from ICEAC in california. The kit is very well done and is an absolute bolt on. I took the lines off the car and had them rebuilt with barrier hose. Since the conversion, I have not had to touch the AC in her car. The motor has been out 3 times, and the AC still works well.

What I am doing to my 914 is making an AC unit that does NOT hang under the dash. It will use the fresh air vents in either end of the dash, and a 911 center vent (IN the 911 style dash). The blower tests show plenty of air movement, so I am proceeding forward with it slowly (just like the rest of the car). The conversion is based on the VPC underdash condenser. When it's done, I am going to build one for another 914, and install it for documentation purposes.

tommy914 · 08-11-2004, 09:34 AM

Clay,
I'm interested in the project you are doing with the hidden AC unit. I was thinking of doing something similar. Please post pics of what you have so far.

thanks

Tommy