Adding A/c

[redoubt]

Trying to determine how difficult/expensive to add A/C to a '81 SL320?

[woolf]

I was wondering the same thing last month when it was still summer

I found a guy on Ebay who was breaking an SL who wants around £500 for the complete kit.

If you can't fit it yourself you're looking at £250 - £500 to have someone else do it.

I solved my problem by buying an SL with aircon 2 weeks ago, unfortunately it has only been needed once since

All this is useless information for you if you're not in the UK though

[coleyjf]

Hi Woolf

I've been wondering the same thing - especaly with the summer we "were" having in the UK 'till recently.

Is it a practical proposition for a reasonably competent DIY'er and Isn't there a major issue on radiator/cooler changes etc?

Apreciate any info you gathered when you were thinking of doing it.

cheers

Jim

[jjrodger]

It definitely can be done. Silver Arrows garage in Putney suggests £1,500. I would imagine it is very difficult: does the dash have to come out? Presumably filling or charging the system requires specialist tools.

[woolf]

Yes the radiator does have to be changed, that's why it's important to buy the whole kit, preferably still connected together - I'm told it's possible! Although installation would be an entirely different story, you'd have to get it degassed and then dismantle it.
There are plenty of people out there who can gas/degass your system for under £100. I just had mine done for £68 by a mobile engineer.
The guy I spoke to was quoting £250 to install it so it can't be too difficult. I was willing to give it a go before I found a car with it already fitted.
Reading other forums it seems more popular job to strip out a dead system than install a new one.