Air Con

[BrettS]

I have a M2. I want to install an under dash unit with a Senden compressor. If you’ve air conditioned your Stag can you please share the brand , how it looks and how effective it is… thanks in advance.

[malc4d]

I dont know where you are located.....I fitted the original Stag A/c unit with all new pipes, condenser and compressor. I had to get 5 units before i could make 1 working system. The problem was tin worm holes inside of them. If you go this route too....DONT buy from any wet and nasty part of any country. California and Florida, texas seem a good place.to try for units..

My 2cts worth

[Rumbo]

Hi Brett,

I fitted an aftermarket an Aussie supplied AC system to my Mk2 stag. It has a Sanden compressor SD7H15 which cools the car well.

I made my own compressor bracket as the one used on the Rover V8 was too high.

I located the evaporator in glove box as shown and make up trunking so that cold AC air is delivered to the 3 main dash air vent outlets. The condenser sits in front of the radiator with a fan in font of it.

I kept the original heater box that works as it originally did........it is not hard just takes time.

Ac compressor.jpg

ac trunking (1024x768).jpg

[BrettS]

Thank you both. I’m leaning toward under glove box and install a LHD parcel rack. Any ideas where I could find brackets for a Sendan ? Tia

[STypeR]

Keep trying you may be lucky and come up with a Sanded bracket. If you can't your only choice will be to have one welded up. Not as hard as it sounds, just need to find a workshop to make one up for you.
There's been a few Sanden style brackets I've noticed over the years. I do prefer the type that 'folds' around/braced on two sides of the engine rather than just on the face of the engine. Reach out if you need photos or dimensions.
The original factory unit is the ultimate but as malc4d mentioned rust is a big issue and you could be really struggling to find one complete; probably too hard.
The later style Australian designed and very well integrated 'hybrid' unit made for the local cars was a very effective solution. It was adapted to fit a 'chopped' top half factory Smiths heater unit found in the car. Not impossible to replicate. One of the earlier Australian attempts hid the evaporator and blower fan reasonably well under the glove box and still kept the parcel shelf; albeit with only half the shelf remaining.
Again reach out for further details.
Note well that all the cars doors, soft and hard top plus the firewall rubbers etc need to be made to effectively seal as intended, otherwise you'd be wasting your time. Furthermore, ensure you place an effective heat shield on the outside of the transmission tunnel (if your car is missing the factory heat shield). I also placed a heat shield above the muffler area.

[BrettS]

Thanks for everything. I will definitely need a template for the brackets. If anyone can help that would be awesome. I’ve got plenty of heat sealer sheets so I’m right there. Here in Australia the choice for under dash units is very small. So if anyone has business in the US or UK that have a suitable range that also would be terrific. I don’t want they”. custom “” a/c that are popular in Chevy trucks etc. there must be period correct but attractive units available. ?

[trunt]

I wondered if you could adapt one of those alternator relocate brackets for a sanden compressor, I never properly looked into that though

[STypeR]

Apologies gent's for no details as yet.
The whole family and I are very sick with COVID..
Will get back to you in due course.

[STypeR]

DSC_0158.jpg
Above is one of the 'Sanden' style adaptor brackets that was doing the rounds in the 70's here in Aust.
Fairly basic and not too pretty but did the job well as it had a second attachment via a bracket that the first head bolt fitted through. Clever idea.
This one I managed to get looked like it had the head bolt bracket readjusted to suit; as per weld in that area.

[STypeR]

DSC_0154.jpg
With head bolt in place. Only thin washer required under head bolt.

[STypeR]

DSC_0160.jpg
Black pulley shown pivots around to be able to tighten compressor belt.

[STypeR]

DSC_0839.jpg
Black pulley bracket needed a few washers behind it and the silver plate to bring it forward so that it could align up perfectly with the compressor (clutch) pulley.

[STypeR]

DSC_0156.jpg

[Rumbo]

Try Speedy Air Sales in QLD. I have purchased two after market kits from them, one I fitted to my Alfa GTV and the other to my Stag.

I made a compressor bracket from MDF to get the design right then made one from steel, that may be an option for you.