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aguabonita Samba Member
Joined: November 27, 2005 Posts: 267 Location: Monterey, CA
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Posted: Tue Mar 09, 2010 10:29 pm Post subject: At Wits End. No A/C = Sell the Westy |
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Hi all,
My family (2 kids and a dog) need A/C in our Westy and I don't know what to do. We are on the verge of selling her if we can't manage to get a fix to the problem. Driving in the heat of the summer is too much to bear. It's really hard seeing your two your old melt in 100+ degree weather.
Any ideas? We have added tinted windows, tried driving at night (difficult to work around and a bit dangerous when tired), water squirters with ice, etc. I wouldn't mind retrofitting her if the price is right but I don't even really know where to begin.
Anyone else in the same boat? Any ideas floating around out there?
Thanks and cheers,
Kev _________________ '87 Westfalia, GW 2.2, and some other goodies
'90 Volvo 245 |
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jeremysmithatshawdotca Samba Member
Joined: February 11, 2002 Posts: 2530 Location: Edmonton, AB
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Posted: Tue Mar 09, 2010 10:34 pm Post subject: |
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The A/C systems in a westy are largely contained at the back of the van, with the exception of the switch. It wouldn't be a particularly big job to transplant a system from a wrecked van. |
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Classicvibe Samba Member
Joined: August 03, 2009 Posts: 743 Location: Salt Lake City
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Posted: Tue Mar 09, 2010 10:36 pm Post subject: |
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There are some posts you will find here that refer to a hot rodders solution for aftermarket A/C. I have totally forgotten the name of the company...I think they are in Texas. Anyway, pretty spendy, but your Westy is worth it man! I can relate though. Just spend some time searching the forum...you will find plenty of info. _________________ On a mission, the destination is just an excuse.
Syncro Solstice 2022...see you there!
1986.5 Wolfsburg Syncro Westfalia Poptop Weekender Transporter |
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PDXWesty Samba Member
Joined: April 11, 2006 Posts: 6235 Location: Portland OR
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Posted: Tue Mar 09, 2010 10:40 pm Post subject: |
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Are you saying your van doesn't have AC or it's just broken? It isn't clear. _________________ 89 Westy 2.1 Auto |
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purplepeopleeater Samba Member
Joined: July 23, 2005 Posts: 3117 Location: E. Washington
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Posted: Tue Mar 09, 2010 10:41 pm Post subject: |
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Just sell it to me.
i'll take good care of it. |
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Californio Samba Member
Joined: May 17, 2007 Posts: 1276
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Posted: Tue Mar 09, 2010 10:42 pm Post subject: |
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Not sure if yours doesn't function or if you're not satisfied with the crappy cooling power.
If it doesn't work, any idea why?
One thing I've been told is that they blow colder using the old Freon not the R134A. Costs waaaay more but it works better.
My AC is more than acceptable in the back seat, it's just up front that you roast. Maybe just learn to drive from the back, problem solved. |
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purplepeopleeater Samba Member
Joined: July 23, 2005 Posts: 3117 Location: E. Washington
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Posted: Tue Mar 09, 2010 10:42 pm Post subject: |
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But really, you might want to search for some of terrykays posts...he's quite helpful sometimes on the a/c topic.
I did the redtek converion and am one happy camper.
but sell me your westy anyways. |
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ohlott Samba Member
Joined: March 28, 2007 Posts: 294 Location: san clemente CA
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Posted: Tue Mar 09, 2010 10:46 pm Post subject: |
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If you are looking to spend some money there is a company in San diego.
It is callled http://www.iceac.com/
They will install one that works well for you. _________________ 83.5 westy 2.2 subi |
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markz2004 Samba Member
Joined: November 13, 2007 Posts: 944 Location: Portland, OR
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thummmper Samba Member
Joined: November 25, 2009 Posts: 2015 Location: Meadow Valley, California Republic
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Posted: Tue Mar 09, 2010 11:47 pm Post subject: |
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I have the resurrection of my ac ahead of me. gotta make up new hoses to adapt to the suby. the main electrical center of the factory system is on the E pillar, that is the left rear hatch pillar. there are several fuseable links and relays there. boning the kit out of a donor is the only real solution that fits. the under-dash hot rod kits dont apply to vanagons. there is too much collision structure crossing under the steer column to fit that bulky kit.
now, you have a westy. the older oe kits, like pre '86, were cab-only cieling plastic units with the conduits running down the drivers B pillar aft to the compressor. these kits had the standard condenser up front only. you could do well with that kit. I know of an 86 vanagon GL with that kit in it for 600 bx. Its been sitting in a parking lot in orange calif. for over a year.
my factory ac for my 92 toyota pu was almost 800 installed. perspective.
you will burn almost a grand having ac put in, unless you do most of it yourself.
It can be done.
todd |
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Terry Kay Banned
Joined: June 22, 2003 Posts: 13331
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Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2010 1:52 am Post subject: |
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Just a quick question;
Does your Westfalia have the AC component's, or are they all tore out--or is the Van AC delete from the showrroom?
I'd like an idea of where your at here prior to making suggestions, or telling you what you might have to do to get some cool air in your Van. _________________ T.K. |
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DAIZEE Samba Member
Joined: January 26, 2010 Posts: 7552 Location: Greater Toronto Area Ontario West Side
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Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2010 5:34 am Post subject: |
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I have the entire factory installation without the compressor. I guess it broke. Where I live I don't need it but because I have it I pay the tax on it. I haven't really been exposed to hot weather in it but plan to use the 12V fan and wing windows for my solution. If I could take it all out, I'd send it to you but I think that would deface my Westy. I only go south or plan to in the winter.
I understand your need and as everyone else you will find solutions here at the Samba. _________________ '09 2.5L Jetta 5 cylinder, 5 spd, super turbo, see thread in H2O Cooled Jetta, etc...
83.5 Vanagon L Riviera Model with 98 1.9L TD AAZ 4 speed Daily Driver 3 out of 4 seasons (sold)
84 Vanagon GL Wolfsburg Westy WBX 4 speed (sold) |
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Williamtaylor33 Samba Member
Joined: September 07, 2007 Posts: 1545 Location: Arkansas
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Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2010 5:57 am Post subject: |
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www.vintageair.com
About $1500 for the kit i think. But it provides air up front.
This is of course if your a/c is beyond repair or missing altogether. _________________ 89 Bostig powered syncro westy |
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danfromsyr Samba Member
Joined: March 01, 2004 Posts: 15129 Location: Syracuse, NY
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Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2010 8:25 am Post subject: |
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relocate to more temperate climes _________________
Abscate wrote: |
These are the reasons we have words like “wanker” |
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Terry Kay Banned
Joined: June 22, 2003 Posts: 13331
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Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2010 8:44 am Post subject: |
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<<I have the resurrection of my ac ahead of me. gotta make up new hoses to adapt to the suby. the main electrical center of the factory system is on the E pillar, that is the left rear hatch pillar.>>
Don't go looking for the relays on the "E" pillar--you'lll be 10 ft. beyond the back end of the Van.
To get the correct hose hook up to the compressor of the subaru compressor, just hit a Parker hose dealer, and have them make some jumper hoses, from where your at to where you have to be. _________________ T.K. |
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J Charlton Samba Member
Joined: August 24, 2007 Posts: 1544 Location: The True North Strong and Free
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Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2010 8:46 am Post subject: ac |
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Google up "truck cab air conditioners" - lots of 12 v units that would sit nicely up top in the useless front luggage rack that would provide you with good cooling for the entire interior _________________ NAHT hightop availability May 18 2023 -
Bend Oregon - for Oregon, California- (7 tot , 3 available), Kennewick Wa (6 tot, 3 available), Small Car Performance Fife Wa. (7 tot 5 avail ), Fairbanks Alaska (1 tot 0 avail)
Future availability TBD : Springfield Mass. Staunton Va, Florida, Colorado, Grand Junction Co., SLC probably late 2023 |
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Terry Kay Banned
Joined: June 22, 2003 Posts: 13331
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Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2010 8:55 am Post subject: |
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This has been hashed over here several times.
The roof units eat up too much space, and are dimensionally prohibitive to be bolting up in the luggage rack--plus your going to have to chop a hole in the roof to get this accomplished.
Now---your back to sqare one.
Instead of blowing cool air just in back of the Van , your now getting frostbite on your forehead.
Nothing is centrally located in these vehicles to benifit the whole cab at once.
I'm still waiting to find out what the OP has in his vehicle.
That will narrow this tale & solution down pretty quick. _________________ T.K. |
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delta-vanagon Samba Member
Joined: October 06, 2008 Posts: 144 Location: Delta, OH
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Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2010 9:30 am Post subject: |
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Looking at his pictures, I don't think he has A/C in his Westy. _________________ 86 GL Bostig & 89 Wolfsburg |
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DAIZEE Samba Member
Joined: January 26, 2010 Posts: 7552 Location: Greater Toronto Area Ontario West Side
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Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2010 9:30 am Post subject: |
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have the wife, kids and dog sit in the back of the van Seriously would a 12V fan placed near the output of the A/C circulate the cooler air?
But we still don't know if he has a non functional A/C or no set up whatsoever.
We have this law in Ontario that you just can't refill the coolant, you have to pay for a full inspection BEFORE getting refilled. I gave up years ago on automobile A/C even tho I've had it in almost every vehicle. And it does get really hot, humid and debilitating muggy in my area in July/August. From experience I've learned that the hoses will always leak within a few months of getting new ones. Nature of the beast. How do other RV's handle their units usually found on the roofs? _________________ '09 2.5L Jetta 5 cylinder, 5 spd, super turbo, see thread in H2O Cooled Jetta, etc...
83.5 Vanagon L Riviera Model with 98 1.9L TD AAZ 4 speed Daily Driver 3 out of 4 seasons (sold)
84 Vanagon GL Wolfsburg Westy WBX 4 speed (sold) |
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Terry Kay Banned
Joined: June 22, 2003 Posts: 13331
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Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2010 10:17 am Post subject: |
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Most other RV's handle the roof mounted AC pretty simple--they don't have to pop a top at a 45 degree angle to walk around below it--thay have a full time horizontal surface to operate on.
This is why they won't function on a Westfalia-- _________________ T.K. |
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