TheSamba.com :: View topic

Wed May 30, 2007 11:04 am

Does anyone know about these guys, or know a better way? I'm tired of being cooked in my van

http://www.ackits.com/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=01&Category_Code=universalevap

http://www.nostalgicairparts.com/select.php?PHPSESSID=2e194ec10cb7572668d7e7e10e230eee

Wed May 30, 2007 12:13 pm

Talk to this guy, seems nice enough:
WWW.Europeancoolcrair.com

Wed May 30, 2007 12:21 pm

i can't get the link to work :oops:

Wed May 30, 2007 12:54 pm

WWW.Europeancoolerair.com

Wed May 30, 2007 12:54 pm

Dogpilot wrote: Talk to this guy, seems nice enough:
WWW.Europeancoolerair.com

cooler not coolcr :wink:

Wed May 30, 2007 1:15 pm

Engilish is knot my best langmuage.

Wed May 30, 2007 1:33 pm

Here is an actual install - the text is apparently not finished, yet, but the photo gallery is pretty complete.

http://blakeheinlein.googlepages.com/vanagon-airconditioning

http://picasaweb.google.com/blakeheinlein/VanagonAC?authkey=DwtniIla7C8

He purchased stuff from www.vintageair.com. While this isn't the way i would do the install, it definitely gives a good idea of what you are getting into with a generic AC unit. There is a bit of a discussion on the vanagon.com mailing list about these today and yesterday...

-Damon

Wed May 30, 2007 2:30 pm

I snagged the system from an '86 7-passenger van. I have been planning on retrofitting it to the front of my '83 ASI 1.6TD vanagon. I plan on cutting out a large portion of the dashboard and making a custom unit that will include the A/C evaporator, gauges that are angled correctly for the driver's view, and CUP HOLDERS! :D I will obviously need a couple of hoses to run the length of the van... :roll:

Andrew

Wed May 30, 2007 3:02 pm

Andrew A. Libby wrote: I snagged the system from an '86 7-passenger van. I have been planning on retrofitting it to the front of my '83 ASI 1.6TD vanagon. I plan on cutting out a large portion of the dashboard and making a custom unit that will include the A/C evaporator, gauges that are angled correctly for the driver's view, and CUP HOLDERS! :D I will obviously need a couple of hoses to run the length of the van... :roll:

Andrew

I can't imagine how underpowered your van will be when the A/C is turned on........d'oh #-o

Wed May 30, 2007 3:36 pm

We got the unit installed by Europeancoolerair (being closer to Rockwall thn most). When the AC is fully charged, it works fine (except when driving directly into a sunset). He installs the unit in the dash with cold air coming out of the "fresh air" vents as well as a bonus "sticky-up" vent in place of the ash tray.
I would recommend it if you have a Westy and really want AC.

Wed May 30, 2007 4:34 pm

dr. no wrote: We got the unit installed by Europeancoolerair ...He installs the unit in the dash with cold air coming out of the "fresh air" vents as well as a bonus "sticky-up" vent in place of the ash tray.

Do you have any pictures? I'd like to see the installation. 8)

-Damon

Wed May 30, 2007 5:05 pm

freakness wrote: Andrew A. Libby wrote: I snagged the system from an '86 7-passenger van. I have been planning on retrofitting it to the front of my '83 ASI 1.6TD vanagon.

I count imagine how underpowered your van will be when the A/C is turned on........d'oh #-o

My van previously easily and dramatically out-performed a 1.9 WBX. When I get done with the next phase of improvements (VNT turbo, headstuds, metal headgasket, etc.), I'm quite sure it will dramatically out-perform a stock 2.1 WBX in hp and torque across the board. Obviously it will get better fuel economy to boot with the added bonus of being able to run on biofuels. The idea that turbo-diesels are underpowered is quite outdated.

Andrew

Wed May 30, 2007 6:51 pm

Diesels are underpowered. Turbodiesels kick booty!!

In my humble opinion.

Wed May 30, 2007 7:19 pm

So TD means Turbo Diesel ? Lol................ :roll:

Wed May 30, 2007 7:22 pm

Right. :D

Andrew

Wed May 30, 2007 7:24 pm

Two weeks ago I took my rear unit apart on the 86 westy and replaced the expansion valve and cleaned the coil and blew out the drain tube and recharged with 3 cans of the RedTek. First time my wife ever asked me to turn it down and that it was too cold. Only had it on mid fan speed. It is Colder than the air on my 2006 Chrysler T&C minivan. On my 86 and 87, the high side compressor hose was crimped poorly and leaking when soap was applied... Cut off the crimp on and install screw clamps. No more leaks.

Wed May 30, 2007 9:46 pm

I have 2 Behr units for the front. Hopefully I have enough pieces to make one. I have been studying them and think it will work out OK. The A/C guy told me he will hook things up so I can blow cold from the original rear or the new front or both. "Cool."

I plan on using the red tek refrigerant as discussed here before. http://www.redtek.com

That vintage air box is really neat. Looks like it installs well. But, the vent setup shown and what not, is not to my taste. My idea is a new console on top too, but not quite as shown, I must admit. But, then again, it looks rigged enough that no one would want to steal it......

Thu May 31, 2007 7:52 am

just got off the phone with Mr. West at CoolerAir, first of all he may be a bigger VW nut than me.

He knows his stuff, his front kit is a straight bolt up kit, it mounts behind the glove box and ties into the refrig system with "t" fittings.

he even has a bigger rear unit for our westy's ! ! !

I'm going to bite the bullet, first of all I need to sell a kayak to get the funds.

Once I get started I'll post all of it on the web for others to learn and see...I'm excited about it!

Thu May 31, 2007 8:41 am

kayakwesty wrote: just got off the phone with Mr. West at CoolerAir, first of all he may be a bigger VW nut than me.

He knows his stuff, his front kit is a straight bolt up kit, it mounts behind the glove box and ties into the refrig system with "t" fittings.

he even has a bigger rear unit for our westy's ! ! !

I'm going to bite the bullet, first of all I need to sell a kayak to get the funds.

Once I get started I'll post all of it on the web for others to learn and see...I'm excited about it!

That's a great idea! Yes, post your experience. This source in Dallas, TX is a great find. VW nut guru, Texas heat = perfect for MAX A/C system experience.

Thu May 31, 2007 8:42 am

I'll offer my lowly "front A/C unit" install...