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Tue Mar 04, 2003 9:29 pm

I recently spoke to a guy who had a 79 Westy camper that had factory a/c,and he said it worked great.I have never seen a/c parts listed in any catalog,nor in a camper.Does anyone know how or where I could get a/c in my bus?I would love to have it!!!

Tue Mar 04, 2003 10:10 pm

If you have a Westfalia you have to use the underdash blower and control unit. There may be a variety out there, but I only see a couple of styles on a regular basis. This is the hardest part to find. The condensor, compressor, and hoses can be retrofitted or fashioned by a wide variety of shops that specialize in AC for older vehicles. I see the underdash units on Ebay and TheSamba for about $100-$150 on a regular basis. I had working AC in a 1977 Westfalia and it was nice. At least for the front seat passengers.

Fri Mar 07, 2003 6:34 am

I just removed the underdash unit from my bus along with the radiator from underneath and all of the hoses. It is off a 75 and I will be selling it; so if you want to make me an offer.....haha. The only thing I do not have is the compressor.

And btw, please show me where I could get all of this for 100-150 bucks, I could get more money than that for scrap......lol

Fri Mar 07, 2003 6:36 am

Nevermind, I found one on ebay.... but it looks like hell and only has "one hose". Thats not going to do much good....plus, no compressor either......

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2406210640&category=6783

Sat Mar 08, 2003 11:03 pm

simple question.. with the addition of a stock air conditioning unit what is the approximate hp/mpg draw. typical non-vw is 8-13% what's your experience?

Wed Mar 12, 2003 11:02 am

check out www.iceac.com and www.aircooled.net for aftermarket a/c. The only tips I recomend is a high number piston, compressor (7 is good, not 1 or 2) this is for better fuel eco. Then I heard that the after market stuff from texas is not so good ,but the brazil type is better (thats what mexico bugs use). mike

Wed Mar 12, 2003 8:18 pm

The old bus York compressors were rumored to draw as much as 10 hp, but the newer Sanden compressors as little as 3 hp. I don't know for certain as I have never tested either, but I know from experience that you could tell a difference when the York kicked on in my 77 Westfalia. You only have so much to start with so the old York could be a problem. As I mentioned above, the hardest item to find is the underdash unit itself. The compressor, condensor, hoses, etc. aren't worth paying the shipping on. The condensor maybe, if it is clean, the fins are straight, and the fans work. Otherwise find the underdash unit and have a good AC shop or web supplier provide the rest new.

Thu Mar 13, 2003 2:08 pm

European Cooler Air in Dallas has a new system for Westys. It uses both underdash and rear, you lose the roof cabinet. Puts out 50,0000 btu's and uses about 1hp.
Expensive but cold.

Thu Mar 13, 2003 2:09 pm

Make that 50,000 btu's

Fri Mar 14, 2003 6:44 pm

I just removed an under the dash unit from my 77. It has radiator-like things that were hung under the bus, hoses running thither and yon,all the stuff that was under the dash, a compressor that required a notch in the engine compartment sheet metal, and other things and stuff. I am in Cincinnati, and would be willing to part with all of this real cheap if someone wants to come and get it.