Dealer installed AC: Fix or Remove?

[mhariush]

Does anyone have a dealer installed AC in their 924 or early 944? Or 914, 911 for that matter?

I have a 78 with a Cool Volkswagen Products Corp AC installed by the dealer.

It's not operable and I would like to get it fixed, if possible. But being so old and from a third party that probably doesn't exist anymore that might be tough...

There are two loose unplugged wires in the engine compartment that I'm thinking might power the AC Control Unit in the dash, but I don't know where they should be plugged in from.

If anyone has a work system I'd love to chat to see if I can figure this one out.



Loose Wires


AC Compressor

[originalowner]

Wow!, Just wow! That is totally cool, but probably difficult to find any parts for (though older A/C systems kinda all work the same, so there is hope.) That looks custom made for a 924/early 944.

Curious, was your car retrofitted with dual fans?

If the control system works, most everything else could be replaced. Hoses can be replaced if they leak or don't fit new components. The compressor is going to be some standard one, but from what? The front condenser can be replaced, and new lines with appropriate fittings put in place if needed. The evaporator might be a problem depending on what most likely standard vehicle implementation it came from. Inside fan motor is probably also standard from something, but what?

You might have a great task in front of you. It is likely easier to get components from a wrecked factory car and retrofit, adding whatever wires are missing. BUT... it would be a damn shame to lose such a rare and interesting aftermarket accessory. Good luck, sorry I can't be of more help.

You might try to meet up with a local automotive A/C shop owner. Let him know you are willing to do the leg work in tracking down the parts in exchange for letting his crew do the final install and charging. - Just a thought. They are not going to want to figure out how to get parts on something like this, but again, these older systems all work pretty much the same.

I found this super interesting, thanks for posting.

[mhariush]

Originally Posted by originalowner

BUT... it would be a damn shame to lose such a rare and interesting aftermarket accessory.

yeah still on the fence about this. Just getting this car back running after sitting for a while. Might take it to an AC shop and see what they think.

[mattdavis11]

Test the thermostat. Turn the blower on, both terminals should have power when in full cold. Vintage air has the thermostat P/N 11088-VUT

After the thermostat, the power would go to a binary or trinary switch, likely on the drier, then on to the compressor.