Thanks for the info.
In my younger days it was not an issue to drive in 100 degree weather, but
now that I am more "mature" (read that as an old fart) I prefer some of the
creature comforts.
Dan
-----Original Message-----
From: Thomas Walter <walter@omni.sps.mot.com>
To: datsun-roadsters@autox.team.net <datsun-roadsters@autox.team.net>
Date: Saturday, August 07, 1999 3:50 PM
Subject: A/C fitted to a roadster
>
>What running an A/C unit in a roadster, are you sane? <grin>
>
>Here is Texas there are some days in August and September where
>the roadster just is not that fun on 100 degree day with high
>humidity. Just feel like a baked lobster after a long drive.
>So you do see A/C's fitted in a few cars.
>
>I would spend some time PLANNING on the installation. Never
>hurts to actually cut up some cardboard boxes the size of
>the components. Can you really live with little passenger
>leg room? Tape a box in place, while you climb in and out of
>the car. Might give you an idea of what is practical in size
>of dimensions of a unit. Ditto under the hood.
>
>You're much better off going with all NEW components. R134a
>system custom fitted. Some shops special in custom/street
>rods and would be best to deal with.
>
>Four major items:
>1. Compressor & mounting
>2. Condenser Mounting (in front of the radiator)
>3. Evaporator & blower fan
>4. Electric System Upgrade
>
>Compressor: Modern rotary style (much better efficiency
>than the older piston type). I would really recommend at
>mounting the compressor so it would run off the water
>pump//front pulley. The '68 - '70 roadster fitted with
>air inject pumps have a double pulley on the water pump.
>Second belt could be used to run a larger alternator.
>Once again, custom mounts would be need to get everything
>to line up correctly.
>
>Oe installation had the a/c compressor running off the
>water pump. I noticed with a loose alternator/water pump/
>crankshaft pulley belt; every time the a/c compressor
>started it would stall the water pump pulley. Pay close
>attention to little details like that.
>
>Condenser Mounting: Should be room in front of the radiator.
>Remember the radiator will have less efficiency. A modern
>Aluminum unit is more efficient, and probably the best
>solution. Not aware of one that is a "drop in fit".
>
>Evaporator & Blower: Not al ot of room under a roadster
>dash, unlike a '57 Chevy. Still you can get creative
>as most "custom units" have a water heater/ac evaporator/
>blower in a nice small housing. You do not need that large
>of a unit for a roadster as there is not much "green house"
>heating with the smaller windows.
>
>One fellow here in Texas had his ac evaporator fitted in
>the trunk! With the top down on nice cool days, you are
>not ever aware of the unit. Only concern is I get a lot
>of the cooling effect by having that dry air hitting my
>face and body. Not sure how effect the rear mounting is,
>but is does cool the car down with the top up.
>
>Electrical System. You'll need at least a 45 Amp alternator
>to be fitted. Compressor clutch may consume 10 Amps, and
>another 8 amps for the blower fan. OEM 35 Amp item will
>not be able to handle the load. In Texas I'll run the
>A/C during the winter to help reduce the interior moisture.
>Heat On, A/C on, wipers and lights, etc. Pretty hefty
>electrical load.
>
>I looked into having an a/c fitted to a 510 a few years
>back. Performing quite a bit of the labor for custom brackets,
>fittings, and fitting the unit... I came up with a cost
>of around $1200 (for the new compressor/custom evap and
>purging and filling the system). Not bad. Do not assume
>anything if the shop will do the full installation. They
>will have to cut some sheet metal. Time is money, and the
>roadster dash is difficult to work under. I wound not
>be surprised is a custom installation ran $2000 for everything.
>
>Hope this of help, very least give you some ideas on the
>project. I might just fit and a/c into the '68 2000 yet!
>
>Cheers,
>
>Tom
>
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