Small Car Performance, DIY Front A/C Installation

'88MoneyPit · Posted: Tue Nov 18, 2014 11:37 pm Post subject:

Working on collecting all of the pics. SCP didn't seem too interested, they said to heat and bend their pvc defrost adaptors...

S

ALIKA T3 · Posted: Wed Nov 19, 2014 10:33 am Post subject:

'88MoneyPit · Posted: Wed Nov 19, 2014 11:27 pm Post subject:

Here is the bracket I cut to rotate the vintage air unit

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

Here is the reason for rotating the vintage air unit. The servos are too close to the dash/windshield frame

SCP also does mention you need to relocate the air box computer. Heres my solution

ALIKA T3 · Posted: Thu Nov 20, 2014 10:07 am Post subject:

Nice detailed pics! Thank you!

So you just rotated it counter clockwise a few degrees, correct?
_________________
Silicone Steering Boots and 930 Cv boots for sale in the classifieds.
Syncro transmission upgrade parts in the Classifieds.
Subaru EJ22+UN1 5 speed transmission
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=416343
Syncro http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4...num+gadget

'88MoneyPit · Posted: Thu Nov 20, 2014 2:21 pm Post subject:

alika t3, correct. That way the left most vent servo was out of the way of the driver defrost vent.
Found a pic of the servo problem

You will need to cut out a lot of ribbing to keep the vent hoses from being cut

S

David Marquis · Posted: Thu Nov 20, 2014 2:45 pm Post subject:

Thank you 88,

I appreciate the input. The mods you have made and detailed will be helpful once I get to that point. I have all of my coolant lines finishes, holes cut for A/C lines, A/C lines run where they need to go, All of the electrical systems are connected. I intend to post pics of all of that as soon as I get a chance. At this point, essentially I just need to plug it all in.

I am on hold as far as finishing the job until I secure a place to continue my work on the bus. I am in need of covered space in which to do so, hence my recent post below.

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=7452077&highlight=#7452077
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1989 Westfalia Vanogan GL, 2.1

'88MoneyPit · Posted: Thu Nov 20, 2014 9:58 pm Post subject:

I did mine in the drive way(what a pain). Good luck finding a covered spot. Pm me if you run into questions.

Stephen

ALIKA T3 · Posted: Thu Nov 20, 2014 10:15 pm Post subject:

Thank you for the info Wink

_________________
Silicone Steering Boots and 930 Cv boots for sale in the classifieds.
Syncro transmission upgrade parts in the Classifieds.
Subaru EJ22+UN1 5 speed transmission
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=416343
Syncro http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4...num+gadget

rmcd · Posted: Sat Nov 22, 2014 11:05 am Post subject:

Thanks to everyone who is blazing a trail including SmallCar. And thanks for taking the time to share your experiences.
_________________
VW LT40 build. Like a Vanagon but 30% larger in every direction and 40% slower even in metric.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=749359&highlight=

rmcd · Posted: Sat Jan 17, 2015 11:14 pm Post subject:

Does the drier unit have any particular orientation when installed or can I install it sideways? Or any old angle?
_________________
VW LT40 build. Like a Vanagon but 30% larger in every direction and 40% slower even in metric.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=749359&highlight=

rmcd · Posted: Sun Jan 18, 2015 11:32 am Post subject:

Do I reuse the existing heater core hoses with the new valve replacing the OEM valve? It doesn't appear the existing hoses could reach. If they do reach (can't test as waiting for glue to dry) then why did SmallCar include a small segment of heater hose - not to be confused with the half inch plastic drain hose.
_________________
VW LT40 build. Like a Vanagon but 30% larger in every direction and 40% slower even in metric.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=749359&highlight=

David Marquis · Posted: Sun Jan 18, 2015 12:54 pm Post subject:

I am not for certain about the dryer orientation, and whether or not it neds to be facing a particular direction or not. Mine was installed with top side facing up. There is a perfect spot for this just below and to the left of the radiator where I mounted it to the frame. (Left as you are standing in front of the bus).

As for the heater core hoses, I reused the pre-formed angled pieces that run through the holes in the floor and into the heater core as the pre-formed curves seemed to be perfect when spun around and shortened just the right amounts. I then used the old pre-formed hose to connect to the new heater core valve that was supplied with the kit. From there I used all new hose, in every other place, from engine to heater core, dryer, etc... I used the section of small car included heater hose as well as going to the local supplier of automotive parts to purchase additional hose. I also used Go westy's kit that replaced the hoses that go to the rear bench seat heater. I hope that helps.

I recently moved and I just recently acquired a new shop to finish my bus and so I am lagging in my posting of all of my photos and descriptions of my own process.
_________________
1989 Westfalia Vanogan GL, 2.1

GreggK · Posted: Sun Jan 18, 2015 7:17 pm Post subject:

Do you need any of the original VW AC system to hook up the small car system. I'm running a Subaru conversion in my '87. The entire AC system was removed buy the PO. All that is left is the relay behind the fuse box and a few wires that we're cut just where the OXS box is underneath the front of the van. I'm pretty sure those wires used to go back to the AC unit.

David Marquis · Posted: Sun Jan 18, 2015 8:07 pm Post subject:

I am not using any of the original system whatsoever in my installation. I am using a new drier, a new compressor, new condenser, new wiring.
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1989 Westfalia Vanogan GL, 2.1

GreggK · Posted: Sun Jan 18, 2015 8:23 pm Post subject:

That's good to know. Thanks for the info. I love the idea of the in dash AC. Ive just been working on installing a double DIN radio into one of my spare dashes. I don't think it would work with the smallcar AC system. Id have to get real creative for the two to work together. Thanks

rmcd · Posted: Sun Jan 18, 2015 11:07 pm Post subject:

David thanks for the info. I'm also taking pictures along the way and hope to share once I get somewhere!

For now I'm still having to mess with modifying the base plate to allow for the drain to clear and Im thinking to clearance the servos. The drain is hitting the firewall so I'm going to have to cut off the same bracket to mount the unit farther away from the dash.

The kit is not entirely stand alone in that that you need a condenser mounted up front and a compressor plumbed and wired to the motor. I'll post my installs.
_________________
VW LT40 build. Like a Vanagon but 30% larger in every direction and 40% slower even in metric.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=749359&highlight=

ALIKA T3 · Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2015 8:14 pm Post subject:

Hello!

do you think the orginal factory radio can stay in place if I relocate the SmallCar control knobs or use the factory A/C control knobs (I'd rather use the original control knobs)

Keep up the good work!
_________________
Silicone Steering Boots and 930 Cv boots for sale in the classifieds.
Syncro transmission upgrade parts in the Classifieds.
Subaru EJ22+UN1 5 speed transmission
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=416343
Syncro http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4...num+gadget

DAV!D · Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2015 8:28 pm Post subject:

I maybe wrong, but to me this kit appears to be the Vintage Air Gen-IV Magnum Universal system.. Just repackaged with some different parts.
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86 Syncro Build - Ecotec Motor Swap - Pop Top Conversion - Camper Build & Syncro Conversion

rmcd · Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2015 9:02 pm Post subject:

The kit comes with a new dash plate that accommodates a mechless 1 din radio. The kit comes with three control knobs. I'm not sure how you could get a 2 din radio to fit or rewire the old ac controls in. Mao has be very accommodating with all my questions. Give him a call or email at [email protected].
_________________
VW LT40 build. Like a Vanagon but 30% larger in every direction and 40% slower even in metric.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=749359&highlight=


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Small Car Performance, DIY Front A/C Installation
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