TheSamba.com :: View topic - Gilmore's Passing

Thu May 08, 2025 6:09 am

Hey all...heavy heart this morning for the surviving partner of Sean who, as a couple, purchased Gilmore Enterprises and had continued the Air Conditioning kit business.

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=2744508

I'm hoping peace for those left behind. I'm also hoping that the business finds the proper person to continue it forward.

In the event that it does not continue, I'd be left looking for an alternate air conditioning package for my son's '71 Ghia Coupe.

Who can share examples of packages they've put together, belt-driven (mechanical) or electric, that they actually use and believe could handle daily use in a Central Texas summer daily-driver?

Engine will be mildly overbuilt (1700, dual port, dual HPMX 40's, torque cam, dual quiet-pack exhaust), and it will be driven in partial-throttle street use, so I'm not really worried about minor power loss, whether from a bigger alternator or a mechanical compressor.

Thu May 08, 2025 1:45 pm

Well there’s always ICE auto air.
http://iceautoair.com/index-1.html

Mon Jun 02, 2025 8:08 pm

Any further news about Gilmore? I'm in need of a RHD system for a 61 Ghia we are finishing. ICE does not have one as yet though they say they will look into it in the future. Anything available in UK or East coast of Oz?

Regards Jerry
KG Co Australia

Tue Jun 03, 2025 4:40 pm

56cpe wrote: Any further news about Gilmore? I'm in need of a RHD system for a 61 Ghia we are finishing. ICE does not have one as yet though they say they will look into it in the future. Anything available in UK or East coast of Oz?

Regards Jerry
KG Co Australia

Yes, I would like one too.

Wed Jun 04, 2025 4:13 am

I'm really hoping that the company can find a new, passionate owner to continue the good work and legacy. Either that, or I hope the current owner can fill the hole in his heart and find the passion to keep Gilmore going properly.

Haven't found a kit I'd be willing to buy outside of theirs for a mechanical solution, and even that one would require hacking a stock shroud, since I'm running heat with stock '71 tins.

Absent other choices, given the small cab volume and the insulation I'm planning, I may run a 90+ amp alternator and go to a newer electric unit, even if the output isn't what the Gilmore package provides.

Mon Jul 14, 2025 11:14 pm

I too am wanting to know about this. I had been wanting a kit for my square back, but I don't think they had any for a 1973. I was about ready to contact the company to ask questions, but then I found a post about Sean's passing :-( If anyone has any suggestions, I'm all ears.

Mon Jul 14, 2025 11:38 pm

Just received a quote from Limebug in UK. They only can sell the electrical compressor version for $6461 + Freight UK to Oz.
ICE, am still waiting for an answer but much more expensive than the last kit we bought from Gilmore, which works so well.

Regards Jerry
KG Co Australia

Wed Jul 23, 2025 5:41 am

Given the unfortunate closure of Gilmore, I am looking for an alternative AC kit supplier for my 1965 KG hardtop.

Please let me know your thoughts and any experience with ICE Auto Air and any other solutions. I have asked ICE to send me a description of the contents of their kit along with pictures of the major components - but they seem reluctant to do so. Which is concerning.

http://iceautoair.com/index-1.html

Thanks.

Tue Aug 26, 2025 5:14 pm

There is a recent update on the Gilmore website. A new owner is working to get Gilmore up-and-running in Florida October 1.

https://www.gilmore-enterprises.net/

I was sad to hear about Sean's passing. This is a bit of good news that the business will continue.

Wed Aug 27, 2025 11:04 am

22manybugs wrote: There is a recent update on the Gilmore website. A new owner is working to get Gilmore up-and-running in Florida October 1.

https://www.gilmore-enterprises.net/

I was sad to hear about Sean's passing. This is a bit of good news that the business will continue.

That, right there, is the best news I've read this month. Thank you for sharing.

Mon Sep 15, 2025 3:08 pm

I did not know Sean but I've always heard what a nice and hard working guy he was. Hopefully the new owner will have that same energy.

Any ideas who the new owner will be?