A/C for 181 Hardtop

[DztBugy]

I am looking to buy a 181 with hardtop, but I need AC as I live in the desert.
Has anyone installed an AC on a 181?

[Semper_Dad]

I've only seen a handful of 181 with installed AC. Almost like pi$$ing in the wind.

Most, if not all, used the Gilmore kit from Gilmore Enterprises. I believe they used a rotary style compressor no instead of the older piston style which shaves off a bit less HP.

Check out KAmes setup.

Why a hardtop?
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Walküre Restoration Thread: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=737492

[DztBugy]

With a hardtop I can at least hope to keep some of the cold in the cabin.

[DztBugy]

I checked out his AC that is exactlt what I was looking for. Thanks

[Semper_Dad]

[SilverThing]

I've been "working" on installing A/C and a hardtop for my 181 for years. And by working I mean it took years to find both and now has taken years to still not be installed.

The top I found locally has rust issues with the internal supports that I haven't figured out how I want to tackle. I may take it to one of the local fiberglass boat repair places, but I am not sure that I will be happy with the result.

Dealer A/C parts are notoriously difficult to come by and are often damaged. The underdash unit I have for my rig has cracks that I don't want to make worse installing in the rig. I intend to remake it out of metal one of these days, but other priorities always seem to come up.

You might have more luck with one of the aftermarket VW A/C suppliers, if you don't care about the A/C being dealership correct.
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"I like how everyone likes talking about Zeke's Thing yet he's the only one that's ever seen it." - Katie
"I've seen pictures..." - Jeremy

[doublecanister]

hey DztBugy,

I was looking for air myself and yeah the original stuff can be fun to locate and expensive.

Someone mentioned a electric version....

Found a few links on it:

https://www.reddit.com/r/beetle/comments/1g9ftoa/cheep_electric_ac/
This link mentioned it but poster never gave a link to product on aliexpress.com

https://www.amazon.com/Universal-System-Electric-Automotive-Conditioner/dp/B0CFH75RHB?th=1
Couldn't open aliexpress so I found the same unit "i think" on Amazon.

https://beetlefusca7gmail.com/products/kit-ar-cond...-1300-1302
Another page with similar system just higher price.

I have no idea how much fun this would be to do, or how good it is. But they are out there...
I've got a soft top but I've upgraded to a Alternator now so I could probably run this thing, I'm going to look into this
further as it would really make it more enjoyable to drive the Thing in the summer.

Has anyone ever seen one of these on a Vw or know someone who's done it yet?
Be nice to know their experience.

I wouldn't mind it being aftermarket item vs being an original unit IF it worked and made the drive tolerable.

Well Hope this helps!
T
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2020 - Mustang Eco Boost [High Performance]
1973 - Thing
1966 - Mustang GT- Fastback
1951 - Ford F1 pickup Flathead V8

[SilverThing]

The electric a/c systems that I have seen draw a large amount of current to run the compressor. I forget if there are alternators with high enough amperage to handle it. The other thing I don't know is how reliable those high output alternators are when a lot of current is being drawn.

I've generally been of the opinion that an engine driven compressor is superior solution unless there is a compelling reason not to such as insufficient engine compartment space.
_________________
"I like how everyone likes talking about Zeke's Thing yet he's the only one that's ever seen it." - Katie
"I've seen pictures..." - Jeremy

[Wildthings]