Air con options, advsie required please

[quarrymot]

Hi,
I have a 71 Stag, it was fitted with factory air con, however all the components under the hood have been removed over the years, so i am only left with the heater box and controls still in the car, i see Rimmers still sell some of the parts, but unsure if i should try and complete the factory set up (and hope my evaporator in the car is still good??) or go for a New aftermarket set up, as any one had any experience with aftermarket AC kits or the factory AC?, i am in Florida so AC is essential during summer months.
Thanks Neil.

[martin]

Hi Neil, the old components will have to be re-sealed at the very least, the gasses then and now are not compatible. Sorry mate, I've no personal experience of the factory set up, but I believe some on here have. Martin.

[elvimto]

Neil I have a MK 1 1971 with air con the last owner never used it so I have it on the shelf for now what kind of info do you need? Looking at the set up its a very basic system however some folks on this list and others have fitted after market systems which are better. The compressor is a york model, very heavy lump of a thing built solid must weigh about 20lbs. I did have a web site for air con retro in the states I would have to look it up. I read on here that an owner in Austrailia used the original set up and is pleased with it and a few others have filled up an old system and it worked so you never can tell. One company makes a bolt in compressor it uses the old mounting bracket and then you build the system they have all the parts plus it runs on the new freon. I am in California so it does get hot hear as well but thats when you have the top down anyway, I have other bits and pieces to do to the car before I get to the air con and like you have not decided which way to go. i will try to find the air con company and send it to you.

cheers Stuart

[quarrymot]

Hi Stuart,
Thanks for the reply, my main concern is, i either spend on buying the missing components of the factory set up or go with a new aftermarket system, i think either option will cost similar, but would like to know if anyone has fitted an aftermarket system and if they are happy with it and where to get one that will fit the Stag ok, so really open to any advise on either route.
The humidity here in SW Florida in the summer is a bit brutal, for an old British Guy
With thanks Neil.

[Marco Polo]

Hi,
I have a 71 Stag, it was fitted with factory air con, however all the components under the hood have been removed over the years, so i am only left with the heater box and controls still in the car, i see Rimmers still sell some of the parts, but unsure if i should try and complete the factory set up (and hope my evaporator in the car is still good??) or go for a New aftermarket set up, as any one had any experience with aftermarket AC kits or the factory AC?, i am in Florida so AC is essential during summer months.
Thanks Neil.

Neil
I would recommend a combination of the factory aircon/heater underdash unit with associated vacuum components along with a modern high flow condersor, axial compressor, tx valve, and receiver dryer. The old factory components and seals which used Freon are not compatible with the current refrigerants. In Australia the current one is R134A, I'm not sure what they use in the States.
I reconditioned my aircon/heater unit prior to fitting this included getting the heater matrix and evaporater overhauled/cleaned. I would advise you tp do the same, it is a relatively easy job to do and gives piece of mind.
I purchased my adapter bracket and T/X valve from Vintage Air in the States, I also purchased an aluminium rad from EJ Wards in the UK, (these are also made in the States and may be a cheaper option for you). The condenser, pump and flex lines were sourced locally. My car was originally fitted with a heater so I had to rewire system, it doesn't work as standard but is very efficient supplying 3C air from the central airvent!
I keep meaning to write up my installation in detail and post it on here but haven't managed yet! If you have any further questions don't hesitate to post on here or PM me.
regards,
Raoul

[Westfaling]

Raoul
I'd like to see details of how you fitted the aftermarket system. I don't think I can re-fit the factory compressor as I'm using tubular exhaust manifolds.
Nick

[Marco Polo]

Hi Nick,
I'm writing it up at present, I don't have tubular manifolds but I did try my original bracket on a mates car that does have tubular manifolds fitted, because I'd like to fit tubular manifolds on my car eventually. At the time it appeared the mounting bracket needed to be relieved at the rear to clear the forward most exhaust pipe.
However, since completing the installation, the axial type Sanden pump sits too far back on the bracket and would need to be reshaped as well to clear the exhaust pipe.
The only real option would be to reroute the forward most exhaust pipe so that it clears the bracket and pump.

Another way could be to mount the pump higher on the engine using a bracket fabricated to use the bolt holes in the front of the L/H cylinder head, similar to the power steering pump installation. I haven't fully explored this option but leave my options open.
regards,
Raoul

[mjheathcote]

I have tubulars so the alternator is mounted where the factory AC compressor would have been. I'm doing away with the PAS pump for an electric pump instead, that makes access to the battery better plus balance the weight distribution a little better. The electric pump I am using is from an A class Mercedes, search the forum, I've posted pictures.
This then however makes a suitable mounting point for an AC compressor where the PAS pump was. I would like to someday fit AC to my car, and this is where the AC pump would be in my case.
Cheers
Mike

Found my post!

http://www.stag.org.uk/forum/showthread.php?11042-Electric-PAS-conversion-Part-1&highlight=class

[Marco Polo]

I've now written up my aircon installation, I've posted it as a .pdf on the technical section. I emailed the original word document to the other moderators for their consideration.
regards,
Raoul

[quarrymot]

Hi Raoul
Great look forward to reading the AC installation you took time to do
Thanks Neil.

[Marco Polo]

Hi Raoul
Great look forward to reading the AC installation you took time to do
Thanks Neil.

G'day Neil,
I've submitted the article, but I'm not sure of the protocol regarding items submitted by Technical Moderators. It's on the forum as a .pdf and I emailed it to my peers as a .docx for their consideration.
regards,
Raoul