Heat Wave - Air Con??

Post by **kaj** » Wed Jul 05, 2006 7:55 am

With the heat waves we experience, and on that applies to the last two occasions of the National, Mogs turn into ovens, it got me thinking, has anyone fitted air con to a standard Mog, and what did they do?

Post by **ColinP** » Wed Jul 05, 2006 10:19 am

Typically it consists of (carefully) rotating the quaterlights so that they scoop air into the car!

Air con requires quite a lot of power (as an add-on it would probably be electrical), plus an additional radiator and water drain (condesate), plus an effective air flow system inside the car....

Cheaper to buy a convertible!

Colin

Post by **Pyoor_Kate** » Wed Jul 05, 2006 10:58 am

Based in the US, this company might be able to help:

http://www.vintageair.com/index.asp

Post by **Onne** » Wed Jul 05, 2006 12:41 pm

You do need to upgrade engines, I doubt the engine will cope.

The lads down under have done this conversion, they might be able to help

www.morrisdownunder.com

Post by **lowedb** » Wed Jul 05, 2006 1:17 pm

Not an easy task. There is a compressor (it would need to be engine driven, electric would take too much power). You have a condensor mounted in front of tha radiator, an evaporator inside the heater, and pipes to connect it all up. When you've connected it, you have to vacuum out all of the air, and put in the right amount if gas, which needs special kit to do it.
The control system could actually be quite basic: a thermostat to pull the clutch on the compressor in and out, and an electric fan on the front to keep the condensor cool.

Post by **paulk** » Wed Jul 05, 2006 1:30 pm

Does anyone do a kit for the old mini (probably 1275) that us minorites could Adapt/bodge to fit?

I realise that you would lose 2-3bhp but it could be a nice addition to a tuned 1275.

Sidevalve owners would be advised against, I would imagine.

Post by **Onne** » Wed Jul 05, 2006 3:37 pm

I work in a company that does aircon. A normal compressor would take away 3,5 kW, that's about 4 horses. Engine response would be down too, and there might be the need to change the pulleys, so they can take a multi-ribbed belt.

all in all a very expensive modification, and not advisable to take anything from scrap cars, since the compressor and condensor go bad when left alone for a while.

Hope this helps
Onne

Post by **Packedup** » Wed Jul 05, 2006 4:56 pm

I thought I saw a leaflet for an old aftermarket aircon kit for the Austin 1100 (South African model) somewhere on the web - Being A series it shouldn't be too tricky to adapt to fit if only you can find the bits!

Also, didn't Japanese spec Minis (at least later ones) have aircon? Could be another source.

I've been thinking about it lots too for current and future cars, this heat and I do not get on!

Post by **paulk** » Wed Jul 05, 2006 5:19 pm

3,5 kW, that's about 4 horses

I took 3kw and multiplied by 0.75 not divided

Yep 5bhp loss is probably too much for most of us.

Quarterlights it is then

Post by **Onne** » Wed Jul 05, 2006 8:06 pm

thats almost 25% of the power of the sidevalve!

Post by **Kevin** » Wed Jul 05, 2006 10:37 pm

Typically it consists of (carefully) rotating the quaterlights so that they scoop air into the car!

Thats right and it was the forerunner to Air Con known as Ram Con

Post by **Shawn** » Wed Jul 05, 2006 11:11 pm

It's been done, and on a tourer! This was at The Ormiston meet in Brisbane a couple of years ago. I don't know any details. (I've seen the "TK" logo on Lada electrical gear before

)

I'm told that the smaller compressors from modern Japanese cars are the best choice for conversions. (in particular Daewoos and Hyundais)

The underdash unit was probably a lucky find. They were fitted as factory options, dealer fitted options or aftermarket kits in Fords and Holdens here until the mid '70's. Getting rare now.

Post by **bigginger** » Thu Jul 06, 2006 12:01 am

Wow - I wouldn't have thought it was possible. Did the car still move?