TheSamba.com :: View topic

Mon May 26, 2003 8:43 pm

have a 74 vw bus- 2.0 liter w/1.8 heads dual webers. etc etc...
wondering if one of those aircondiontioning setups for these are worth the effort?
where to obtain a complete aircond unit?
pros and cons?
when running the air=less power?
anyone have an aircond setup in their vw that could help me out with some answers?
thanks.

Tue May 27, 2003 8:43 pm

the cheapest way to have air conditioning is just to roll down the windows. That is what I do.

Tue May 27, 2003 9:50 pm

We have the dealer-installed AC in our '79 Transporter. The AC relay was direcely under a water leak (from the wiper shaft) and had filled with water over many years and was a mass of rust when I opened it. I replaced it with a 30A relay from a SAAB parts car. I just got the AC to turn on, but I need to have it recharged, as it's not very cold.
Yes, you will take a significant power hit if you elect to use refrigerant-based systems. Air conditioning systems are extremely expensive for what you get.
One option would be to get one of those funky window-mounted evaporative coolers (looks like a little Bazook subwoofer that hangs outside your window), but I haven't seen them in a long time.
Personally, I don't think AC is worth it on practically any vehicle (maybe that has something with my living in the Pacific Northwest).

Tue May 27, 2003 10:27 pm

thanks for replies. have come to the conclusion that its just not worth it. i have seen those window evap coolers myself. if i can remember where on the net i found they are still being sold ill post a link. i think they may be the easiest and less expensive way to go. might have been in one of the vw magazines too?
yup i roll my windows down lol! 2-50 air cond.
was just thinking bout my dog ...and will be heading south to az in my 74 westy. could hook a fan up huh?
i usually never use air cond even in cars with it factory installed. forget most the time they even have air lol...must be used to my v-dubs.
right now i am over here in oregon...so really no need for air cond.

Thu May 29, 2003 10:03 am

I just bought a 74 westy and could use a little more than windows down here in TN. However, in Arizona just last week it was sweet and cold..

would like to know where those window units can be found just in case I want to go retro..thanks