TheSamba.com :: View topic - Anyone ever use Coldmaster air conditioning

Sun Jul 31, 2016 6:03 pm

Looked at there ads on ebay. Searched and come up with nothing on a VW install.

Sun Jul 31, 2016 6:28 pm

ICE A/C and Gilmore make kits for VW's
Gilmore seems to be the better of the two
I've put a Gilmore system in a super and it worked well he even made a RHD drive version for me at no extra charge.

Tue Aug 02, 2016 8:31 am

Anyone else. Has anyone I talked a coldmaster unit in anything? Under $500 and some wrenching skills it could be doable.

Tue Aug 02, 2016 12:08 pm

How about a link to what ever you are referring to??

Tue Aug 02, 2016 4:23 pm

just looked them up on ebay

You are probably going to be disappointed as to put one of these in a VW you will only be able to use some of the components

These are made for front engine applications so you will need at a minimum the following in addition to what the kit includes.

New hoses long enough to go front to rear (approx. $6.00 a foot)
Compressor Mounting bracket
Dual Pulley for crank shaft
tensioner
Wiring (long enough to go front to rear)
Condensor (one that will fit)

By the time you spend all that your bargain kit is about the same as one specifically designed for VW's

Tue Aug 02, 2016 10:12 pm

Id like a link too. I was thinking up retrofitting a AC compressor and the works from some econobox car from the junkyard, something that has a decent compressor that doesnt kill a 3cyl engine coughgeocough or a civic equiv.

Wed Aug 03, 2016 1:05 am

Link to Gilmore worth the extra because its already set up for a beetle or super beetle and you won't need to buy anything extra to make it work
http://www.gilmore-enterprises.net/standard_beetle_a_c_units__1953_1978

Link to ebay kit
Not complete and you will have to come out of pocket to get custom brackets etc.. made not to mention the hoses as well because hose clamps just won't cut it
http://www.ebay.com/itm/A-C-KIT-UNIVERSAL-UNDER-DA...mp;vxp=mtr

Thu Aug 04, 2016 1:24 pm

Thanks for the links yellrhd. I assumed folks would just google coldmaster and see for themselves. I saw the kit with the worm gear clamps. Yikes. I have no issues with fabricating brackets. All the other non VW (everything in the back) looks like a PITA. I'm more of a DIY Ghia owner and just wanted to see if anyone else might have tackled the AC install from something like that kit. Thanks for your input.

Thu Aug 04, 2016 2:14 pm

foamermetal wrote: I assumed folks would just google coldmaster and see for themselves.

Problem with that is there were at least a hundred results. Even going by Coldmaster AC there are plenty of results. Even found an electrically powered AC system by them!

Mon Aug 08, 2016 11:35 am

Eric&Barb wrote: foamermetal wrote: I assumed folks would just google coldmaster and see for themselves.

Problem with that is there were at least a hundred results. Even going by Coldmaster AC there are plenty of results. Even found an electrically powered AC system by them!

Maybe the electric system is a better option. Then you only have to increase the output of your alt, and run a fat wire to wherever you mount it! :lol:

Mon Aug 08, 2016 11:40 am

TJs73Vert wrote: [
Maybe the electric system is a better option. Then you only have to increase the output of your alt, and run a fat wire to wherever you mount it! :lol:

More likely one would have to have a 5,000 Watt or bigger 120 AC generator on the back bumper or trailer behind to keep up with that electrical draw!

Mon Aug 08, 2016 5:50 pm

The currently available electric compressors draw some serious amperage 24-31amps @12V

They are also pricey around $1,000 for just the compressor

And at 3-6k BTU/hr they are not the most efficient means to cool a hot car they can be used a supplemental A/C for motorhomes limo's etc.. that have an engine driven main a/c yet need additional cooling due to interior volume.

of course the articles you will find like the one linked below are written by the people trying to sell you one.

https://www.seanhylandmotorsport.com/blog/12-v-air...t-for-you/

Tue Aug 09, 2016 8:48 pm

Take it from someone who just installed A/C in his VW (Squareback with Type 4 engine). Unless you know what you are doing, a universal kit will cost you a lot more money and time. Here's my A/C Thread.

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6...p;start=20

Gilmore doesn't make a Squareback kit, but I did get the compressor and mount from him. The rest was one hell of a lot of head scratching, measuring, and self doubt. Get the kit from Ed, he is good people.