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  #1  
Old 01-14-2007, 02:15 PM
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Aftermarket A/C

Is anyone familiar with aftermarket a/c systems such as vintage air? I have a 1978 300cd with a rebuilt 82 td engine. Their is no air compressor at the present time and since the the 82 compressor is on the opposite side of the 1978, I have been told that this would be a major chore. I have seen an aftermarket system in a 67 camero, but not in a Mercedes. Any info would be apreciated.

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Old 01-14-2007, 02:39 PM
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How would you describe your mechanical abilities, your tools, etc, including welding equipment ? What kind of working facilities do you have ...like two car garage with heat, open air, tree , etc ?
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  #3  
Old 01-14-2007, 03:05 PM
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I would say not very good. I would have to have someone else do it.
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Old 01-14-2007, 03:17 PM
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How much money are you willing to spend ?
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  #5  
Old 01-14-2007, 03:20 PM
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I've got a quote for about 1500 on installing a compressor and running the hoses to the other side. The heater works, but only when the defroster button is pushed. Not sure if that will need fixing as well. That is why the quote is not firm, it could go higher.
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  #6  
Old 01-14-2007, 03:25 PM
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I am not familiar with Vintage AC ( if that is a company )
I am familiar with vintage air conditioners.... LOL
If I was starting from scratch I would insist on a newer rotary compressor instead of the scotchyoke Delco 4 which they are probably thinking of when they gave you the quote.
But making the change at this point would mean you could use 134a reasonably and figure on long life out of the compressor.
But changing out means that none of the fittings and hoses can just be replicated as came from the factory... the cheapest legit way to do it using the old Delco...
Where do you live ?
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  #7  
Old 01-14-2007, 03:34 PM
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Yes, Vintage Air is a company.
http://www.vintageair.com/

I live in Los Angeles. My mechanic thinks that this A/C will be a potenial money pit and that I should find another coupe, 83-85. I was just trying to find another option.
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Old 01-14-2007, 03:42 PM
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My 240D has an aftermarket AC, but used a stock compressor. I'm planning to yank the under dash part...want it?
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  #9  
Old 01-14-2007, 03:50 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by IRISHCG View Post
Yes, Vintage Air is a company.
http://www.vintageair.com/
I live in Los Angeles. My mechanic thinks that this A/C will be a potenial money pit and that I should find another coupe, 83-85. I was just trying to find another option.
Ok..you need a good AC....
I think your mechanic was being exceptionally honest . Keep him , switch cars.
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  #10  
Old 01-15-2007, 01:23 PM
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that's what my gut was telling me too. Thanks for the advice.
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  #11  
Old 01-15-2007, 01:31 PM
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You could just retrofit the whole ac system. Might be best and cheapest bet if your handy and have access to a pullapart.
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  #12  
Old 01-15-2007, 01:39 PM
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I'm assuming the evaporator and condensor are in place, all you need is a compressor and hoses...I really don't see that being too big a job. The hoses can be custom made cheaply enough (probably under $100 for both) and you can buy a rebuilt A/C compressor for a few hundred. If you are otherwise happy with the car it should be very doable to get A/C working in it again for a grand or less I would think if you found the right place to do it. The key is finding an A/C shop and not a general tech.

Also, since your climate control only works on defrost you'll need a new pushbutton assembly (at the least) which runs about $300 for a rebuilt one or you can find a used good one for under $100. I'd sort that out first, then move on to the A/C system, but like I said, you will land up spending it to trade up to a different car so why not just take the car you have and make it the car you want?
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  #13  
Old 01-15-2007, 01:42 PM
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Just get a swamp cooler and roll it.
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  #14  
Old 01-15-2007, 01:45 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nhdoc View Post
Also, since your climate control only works on defrost you'll need a new pushbutton assembly (at the least) which runs about $300 for a rebuilt one or you can find a used good one for under $100. I'd sort that out first, then move on to the A/C system, but like I said, you will land up spending it to trade up to a different car so why not just take the car you have and make it the car you want?
Horse *****. There are a million reasons why only defrost would work. Given the history of the car the PBC is the LAST thing that I would look at. Use the FSM field test. More than likely there are vacuum hoses going no where or worse no/incorrect power to the pbc.... Do you still have the regulator?
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  #15  
Old 01-15-2007, 01:53 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by winmutt View Post
Horse !!!
LOL

Even aside from that... does the course of action suggested by NHDOC mean that one would wind up after all that work and money having a Delco compressor in the engine compartment ? I think that would be the biggest bummer... and I assume if the plan of action was transferring from a donor car that would be the case...

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