Newest project

[Justin B.]

Even though I have the repaint/rebuild of the '81 R100RT only about half way done I still felt I should start another project lest I get bored.

I have been using the '57 Chevy Rat-Rod as my daily transportation for the past several years and decided I didn't want to spend another summer driving around in a convection oven!  So, out came the overtaxed CC and a few days later UPS dropped a big box of "comfort" on the porch.

I decided to put an under-dash ( or "hang-down" in old school terminology) A/C system in the old beast and started on the install this week.  So far I have the compressor and condenser mounted and the evaporator unit is "tacked" into place.  If all goes well this weekend I may get the hoses routed and ready to pump down and charge.  I'm starting to feel PUMPED!

Here a few pics of the progress so far.

[wilcom]

I just love shiny parts!!!!

Your ride will be so much more user friendly now. It's gonna be a "cool" ride.

[BPT]

Perfect timing, it seems. We've been blessed with a fairly mild spring here so far but, just this past week, I had to use the a/c a few times in the house and car.

[Justin B.]

BPT, you wanna come over and help? 

[BPT]

Unfortunately, I don't get Sat/Sun as a weekend.  My "weekend" is in the middle of the week.  Otherwise I could, although you'd be getting nothing more than an extra set of hands since I have absolutely no knowledge of aftermarket a/c installation!

[skippyc]

I installed an AC in my 1976 Panel van using the under dash unit and it was the most efficient unit I have had in any vehicle. It was easy then because old cars don't have all the extra stuff tacked on to them and plenty of space under the hood.

[Justin B.]

BPT - I just retired so pretty much every day is a weekend for me, now!  [smiley=ROTFLMAO.gif]

skippy - I've had two vehicles with under-dash and they both would freeze ya out but they were R12 units.  We shall see how this R134a unit does.  I thought I would get it finished this weekend but discovered I had neglected to order any rubber grommets for the hoses to run through.  Maybe next weekend...

[Bob_Roller]

R134a not nearly as cold as R12 .

My '91 Honda CRX Si with R12 refrigerant, would put out air at around freezing, 32 F, 0 C  .

My '14 Hyundai Veloster with R134a, at best 50 F, 10 C during our ' hot season ' .

My '01 BMW Z3 with R134a, about the same temps as the Veloster .

Pressures on an R143a system run higher than an R12 system .

I recently ' scored ' 15, 12 ounce cans of R12, for $150 from a person that had no idea what they had .

I need to get the A/C system on my '79  Pontiac Trans AM up and running, never been recharged since I bought it in Oct., '79 .

[BPT]

Lucky you, Justin. I am far away from that day.  If I had the funds though, I'd do it tomorrow.

[Justin B.]

Between other projects, several rain-days, and other crap I've somehow made a little progress.  This kit is definitely NOT turnkey as you have to supply wire, fabricate mounts for everything ,etc.  I have managed to put the radio back in the dash, restore glove compartment liner back in and final mount the evaporator.  We are good to go on the inside after routing and fitting hoses.

I had to fabricate all of the mounting hardware for the electric fan (sure glad I have a mill) and got it done yesterday.  Here's the mess...

[wilcom]

I had to fabricate all of the mounting hardware for the electric fan

   

Nice job Justin, you're pretty handy!

[Justin B.]

By necessity, and retired machinist...

[Justin B.]

Got the hoses routed, cut to length, and end-fitting put on today.  Also wired everything together and pumped the system down.  I pumped at 32" ov vacuum for 1.5 hours, let it set for 3 hours, and after no change in the needle stuck in a can of R134a.  I put in just one can and the gauges show I am just a bit low but it blows some super cold air!

Tomorrow I have some wires to dress up and hide, install the drain hose, and I'm done with it!  Final pics in a few days.

[skippyc]

install the drain hose,

I ended up with a very wet car after the mechanic forgot to install the drain hose and i was in central Aus when I found out. I had to drain it into an empty bottle until i got back home again.

[Justin B.]

Did you go back and open up a can of verbal "whup-ass" on him!?