AC Install in a 240D - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

McRoth · #1 06-26-2003, 10:32 AM

I'm just curious right now, but how much trouble would it be to put an air conditioner in my 82 240D? It didn't come with one, so I'd probably have to find a doner car or something like that.

The older I get, the more I wish I had it in there!!

Thanks!

#2 06-26-2003, 11:49 AM

Michael,

You MUST have a European model. ALL US models had air conditioning.

I have two Euro models, both with add on air, so I know it was available at one time.

Try posting this question at www.ackits.com These are really good people and if they don't have it, I expect they can tell you where to get it.

I would offer to sell the one from my parts car, but it is the source of spare parts for the one that I plan on putting back on the road.

Good luck,

leathermang · #3 06-26-2003, 11:55 AM

And the older you get the more you deserve Air Conditioning...

I am going to speak blasphemy here.... so all you purists just click on off to some other thread !

You might consider putting one of those underdash aftermarket air conditioners into it... that would really really be easier than trying to put the stock unit into an intact car....

And another possibility if you do not go stock... is to mount the evaporator in the trunk,,,, ala the 1955 Buick .. or the best AC units available for VW or karman Ghia... One company in FtWorth made them for other cars which fit in the trunk.... it had the advantage of using one fan motor for both the condensor and evaporator blowers... and it used a squirl fan ...much better for air flow from the same power consumption... in other words, it was designed like a window ac unit in a home....

Well, this ought to stir up some debate.....

Or you could sell that hot sweaty uncomfortable car to me.....

----------------------------------------------
1980 240d manual trans, manual ac, manual windows, no sunroof.

#4 06-26-2003, 02:50 PM

The underdash unit, if there is room for it, is always the easiest installation. But, where would you put it?

I saw my Dad put in a number of them in the fifties, but in those days we didn't know what a console was. The cars were big and there was plenty of room underneath the center of the dash.

If you can get the same aftermarket unit that is in both of my Euro cars, it would really be a relatively easy installation. The evaporator unit bolts right into place and connects to the existing heater plenum. I have had the evaporator out before and it was not nearly so bad as you might think. I fully expect that it was MUCH easier than if it were factory air, but you really can't tell the end result from factory air.

Best of luck,

McRoth · #5 06-26-2003, 03:37 PM

Thanks for the suggesting the AC forum, but unfortunately they don't know of any kits for this car & suggested the Mercedes clubs! I'll just have to keep looking, I guess.

Thanks!

leathermang · #6 06-26-2003, 04:14 PM

I have never seen a Euro... and certainly not a Mercedes silly enough to come without Air Conditioning...
So I am sure that Larry is correct... I was just talking generically... but I have four units in my garage... and usually when put into an old pickup truck they would go on the passenger side under the dash....Some of them really are compact and might not even be in the way of the passenger's feet... or knees....
Did you really need that glove compartment to open , anyway ?

300SDog · #7 06-26-2003, 05:08 PM

Hey McRoth, i dont know where Amherst Ohio is..... but host of vintage forum is independent MB tech from Cincinnatti area, qualified to see the job through completion. It sounds like one day's work with parts on hand.

Try contacting him privately through email - 'tell him the DieselDog sent you.

#8 06-27-2003, 09:06 AM

My '84 was imported by an outfit in Houston named Mario's. He put the aftermarket air in the car when he grey marketed it into the US in '85. I don't know if he's still in business, but he would know where to go for the unit.

He left an address tag in the trunk. I will try to remember to go look for it this weekend.

I know that someone makes this unit. The one that is in this car is a really good unit that uses a Sanden compressor and works great on R12. Since you would be putting it in from scratch, you could use a parallel flow condensor and probably make it work well with 134.

Good luck,

McRoth · #9 06-27-2003, 10:13 AM

I'd be greatful if you could find that information for me Larry! This isn't something I'll probably do right away, but hopefully soon.

Thanks!

#10 06-29-2003, 02:15 PM

Michael,

I just went out and wrote down the information from the sticker of the importer.

Mario's Motors
6343 Beverly Hill
Houston, Texas
77057
713 780 7934

This sticker has been on the car for over fifteen years, so I have no idea if he is still reachable or will remember where he got the a/c units. But I suppose it's worth a try.

Good luck,

leathermang · #11 06-29-2003, 06:48 PM

Sounds like they may still be in business....april 03.....

http://www.deferred.com/wwwboard/messages/5648.html

McRoth · #12 06-30-2003, 10:24 AM

Well, I just gave them a call! They're still there & he took my information & is supposed to call me back with what he finds out.

Thanks Again!!