O.K. folks, here is the deal with my installing the parallel-flow condensor. First of all, I bought the 14x22.5" unit because it was the size that most closely matched the OEM condensor. You want to fit the biggest one possible, but wider would have required major custom work, which I didn't want to get into. There isn't much room in front of the oil cooler, so I didn't want to press my luck and run into problems. This unit gives a nice factory look. The 22" wide units fits right in there perfectly, and I just bolted it to the empty holes in the headlight frame that I think are there for the installation of Euro lights. For the top two mounts I just used zip ties. I did this for two reasons: i) it was rather difficult to find a way to bolt something to that part of the car (probably could do it if you had a metal brake to bend brackets); ii), the zip ties really don't bear any weight. These aluminum condensors are incredibly light (maybe around 8 pounds), and all the weight is supported by the brackets I bolted to the headlight frame. So the zip-ties just hold it from flopping back and forth. Again, fit the biggest unit in there that you can. Check out the condensors in a late model Buick or Dodge van, etc., they are gigantic.

I did need to get two hoses fabricated. This was a real pain, but you are all in luck because I can now tell you what you need: I needed an "S" shaped hose with a 90 degree #10 fitting on one end, fitted to a 4.5" #10 hose, with a #8 90 degree fitting on the other end. A second hose was needed which has a #6 90 degree fitting on one end (to screw into the receiver/drier), connected to a 13.5" hose, with a 45 degree #6 fitting at the other end. The first hose bolts directly to the factory high-pressure gas line, and the second hose connects directly from the new condensor to the receiver/drier (i.e., through the old factory r/d hose away).

The guy at ackits named Jack helped me with this, so I would recommend talking to him if you want to convert your 123. In any event, I am very happy with my conversion. No, it doesn't cool like a Toyota or old Cadillac, but compared to having NO a/c like I did prior to last weekend, who's complaining????

I know there is a way to get 100% recirculation on these cars, and if anyone out there knows how to do it, please let me know. I bet if I get 100% recirc my vent temperatures will be even lower!

I am glad to help anyone who wants advice with this conversion. I can be reached at spring@mail.saabnet.com

Good luck,

Greg
'84 300D