DPD Air Conditioning for type 2 bus? FAQ

[69BahamaYellow]

[Cvannoy]

Is there a general consensus that these original condensers are inefficient and that I should invest in newer condensers if I want my AC to work properly?

If they are worth keeping them I'll fix this one up otherwise I'll throw it in the classifieds if anyone wants a vintage condenser.
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1974 Safare Custom Camper
1978 Datsun 280z

[69BahamaYellow]

Yes, chuck it. Parallel flow is way more efficient than the old tube & fin condenser, and you will need efficient condenser(s) to run 134a refrigerant anyway.

[skills@eurocarsplus]

^^^^

yes and shit can those fans too. we have far more efficient technology today.

the only thing you want to use is the evaporator after a good flush with the proper cleaning agent. you want all new hoses, a new TXV and a compressor.

if you're resurrecting a dash unit on your highroof you are going to be very disappointed in it's performance.

I've done enough dash unit rehab/installs now to be able to say that it's barely adequate for the front seat passengers in a normal bus. these units just can't keep up with the massive insides of a bus.

I think the best one going is the overhead unit in terms of distributing cold air reasonably evenly throughout a bus. the other issue with the dash units (in my opinion anyway) is the vents don't have enough articulation to blow the cool air UP. it kind of hits you in the knees to be honest.

here is what I had for duct temp on the highway the other day

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MztGoepWfXs

don't get me wrong...the a/c is nice but the real issue is heat rises. even with the a/c on, I could feel the heat coming off the roof. these a/c units take the edge off for sure...no doubt but DO NOT expect any miracles here.

I still think having a rear/overhead unit like the vanagons do is going to be the best way to make the a/c feel like it's doing something. having it blow across the roof and cool air sink to the floor has got to be a better way to distribute the air than the dash units.

i'm not saying VW has always had a great solution, but there is a reason they put it in the rear of the vanagon and blew it forward.
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[Cvannoy]

Perfect, I'll start from scratch then.

[bayguy]

I have a 68’ deluxe I’m redoing, long process. I’ve been following along about
the DPD ac. The bus came with overhead ac with fans and knobs but no compressor or fans below. I’ve attached photos of what I’ve got wondering if it’s worth the effort to reinstall. One thing that bothered me was the I think it’s called the coil which is part of the overhead unit. On the drivers side there is a rubber hose from above exiting the left side wheel well with a nice plastic cover. On the passenger side there is another hose from above but no cover just the hose no place for one because of cargo door. Any ideas or solutions. Also would it be just as effective to purchase a unit from Gilmore?.

[skills@eurocarsplus]

[bayguy]

Skills, it’s the drain tubes from the evaporator and you are correct about the
headliner you have to be very careful on install or the headliner will be toast.
My one concern about under dash units is leg room. Any experience from
anyone?

[skills@eurocarsplus]

wasn't sure which hose you meant...there's a few.

the dual blower style has ok leg room, but you can whack the blower motor on the drivers side...they hang close to the tops of the pedals.
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[mkilpa1]

I dont own a type II westfalia, yet, but desperately want one. The thought of coughing up the money for it and having no A/C seems like a pretty hard sell to my significant other. We live in Charleston.

I apologize in advance if this idea is ludicrous, but has anyone used a modern generator and RV a/c system (top unit)? or portable a/c system (the alternative to a window unit.

[Ceckert64]

A couple questions, I have a jump seat AC unit and I would like to revive the AC. First, has anyone had this setup and how well does it work, is it as good as the overhead or bad like the under dash unit? Has anyone used this stuff? [url] https://www.ebay.com/itm/R12-R-12-refrigerant-supp...4524[/url] If I wanted to use R-12, since it can’t be produced, can I get a really old fridge that has R-12 and have the refrigerant removed from that and put in my unit. Also, has anyone ran a gas heater with the AC? I was wondering if they would interfere or if I just used a new compressor would I be fine? Thanks in advance for the help, sorry if some of them are stupid questions.
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1964 sunroof Beetle Restoration "Herbie"
“Joann” 1970 Elm Green Squareback
1972 Sierra Yellow Tin Top Westfalia Camper
“Fitz” 1971 Westfalia Poptop

[skills@eurocarsplus]

R134A is just as good, really. you may lose a few degrees. your biggest issue is using 12 and being able to responsibly recover it.

that said, I think peoples expectations of ANY a/c unit should be greatly reduced...these are rolling greenhouses...even the vanagon guys have so-so results with factory a/c

yes, it WILL take the edge off for sure. dry and 80* is better than 70* with 65% humidity.

it's worthwhile as long as you realize it's limitations. in a bug/ghia/T3 you could for sure freeze yourself out. in a bus, it's like cold air on your toes when you open the refrigerator door on a hot day.
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[Ceckert64]

[skills@eurocarsplus]

if you're already considering the junk yard route...stop right now

the jump seat a/c will work ok. the under dash units really only cool up front

the overhead units are the best deal as they shoot air front and back.

you will need a good parallel flow condenser to pull this off.

i'd run the jump seat unit myself. no matter what, there is a LOT of real estate to cool in there.

ever been in a suburban/escalde etc? they cooling sucks too even with rear a/c.
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[yoshi1974]

I live in Japan.
I replaced the condenser fan
It has become more efficient and cooler.
Please refer to it.

[69BahamaYellow]

Anybody done any interesting AC system builds recently? I started another type 4 AC system build last year before Covid hit, but I've had to table it for a move. Probably won't have my workshop set back up till the middle of next year, but I'm looking to start acquiring parts. For the next build, I'm thinking about the following:

1) Compressor - Denso fixed displacement 10PA series compressor has been awesome, but the next one will be a Denso clutch-less variable displacement unit with electronic displacement control. I'm going high tech with the control system this time, so I'll use temperature sensors this time to control the compressor. I'll mount the compressor exactly the same (fixed mounting, with tensioner and serpentine belt drive). This has been bullet proof, quiet, and maintenance free.

2) Condenser Fan's - I'm upgrading from the single speed fans to variable speed with a PWM fan controller. I'll do the same 3 condensers as before. They have proven to be highly efficient, and don't interfere with ground clearance.

3) Variable Speed Evaporator Fan's. Should have done this in the first place. The 3 speed fan switch is OK, but variable speed will be so much better.

4) I'm thinking of a split unit evaporator setup this time from a minivan, and running all the duct pipes under the headliner. The DPD bus overhead unit is terrific and pretty easy to install, but good ones are getting hard to find.

any other ideas / feedback / suggestions welcome

[Tim_EV]

[skills@eurocarsplus]

[Tim_EV]

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