a/c install

sstine9 · sstine9's Garage

O.K. 914-"heads" I need some knowledgable people to give me hints from previous experience (or any help at all) on what it involes to install a factory a/c system on a non a/c car? I've found a used complete system out of a rust bucket 914 (w/motor out of car)....owner says the unit is complete and will let it go for $200 if I take it off car myself. I imagine the install will require dropping motor and tranny but any help on what else ? thank you in advanance for taking time to e-mail your thoughts and to prior replies to my various questions sstine9 73 2.0

Va914 · 12-06-2002, 10:40 AM

I am doing this install right now. I'll see if I can make a few copies of the installation manual I have. I have been meaning to to that but that's another story.

The $200 you spend on the old dealer installed A/C will go up by another $100-$200 plus the cost to have the system tested for leaks and charged.

You will (SHOULD) buy a new drier, belt, and hoses. A new compressor is a good idea but not an absolute. I went with a Sanden 508.

You will need to cut a big chunk of engine shelf out, cut a large hole in the front trunk, and drill some holes. That is a very short summary of what you need to do.

MAKE sure you get the pulley behind the fan on his engine. You will need that pulley. If the motor for the inside unit is on the passanger side and not the middle of the unit you will more then likely need the small idler pulley attached to the engine. The idler pulley for the other model is attached to the A/C compressor bracket.

I am sure others will chime in on the parts I left out.

Contact me if you have questions or need any help locating parts.

Kerry

I forgot...........Nice car

Jim Smolka · 12-06-2002, 01:14 PM

IMHO, don't do it!

A dealer installed configuration requires one to completely cut out the bottom of the front trunk. The stock AC compressor is not that great. Plus all the other holes one must cut out in the engine compartment and other places to make the unit fit really "butchers" the car. Not to mention that the system was designed for R12 (not cheap). R-134 could be used, but it does not work that great in early cars.

To complete the project, the old freon lines will probably need to be replaced.