Timing is everything in this world...
VW Trends magazine has been running a 3 month series on adding AC. The current issue on newstands covers mounting the compressor. They also talk about choosing the right compressor for your car. Evidently, some of the newer scroll compressors only rob about 1.5 HP and don't raise engine temperatures much.
The two previous issues covered AC basics and the old DPD and VPD kits. A good series if you can get the back issues. And, there should be a lot of information that is transferable to the teener.
BTW, I agree with you about AC requirements in general. Driving in Houston during the summer is no treat. It may not be 115F like Las Vegas, but with the humidity, the misery index is outta sight.
When I get my engine overheating problem fixed for sure, I've got parts of four old AC systems to see if I can cobble together one working one. One more project queued up that I hope to have time to complete.
