Adding A/C to 1971 250 stock...possible?

[Jub]

Hi All,

I was trolling through junk yards this past week, and noticed a 250 with all the A/C components. My car doesn't have AC (no bracket, no condensor, etc).

Can I add this to my car from scratch (anyone ever tried it)?

Thanks

[kraakevik]

If you've got a North American-spec 114 model sedan or coupe it should be feasible--getting all the components from a donor car will keep the cost down


Tim Kraakevik
kraakevik@voyager.net
Four 114's, Four M110's

[ssk831]

It's very possible! Except I would start with a newer compressor rather than the power sapping original.

[Jub]

woo hoo! (summertime here I come).

[Pooka]

Make sure you get everything including the hoses. You would not want to use the original hoses since new ones are so cheap and are far higher in quality, but you will need the originals to know what type of replacements to get and how long they should be.

If you can find a A/C parts house near you it is possible they can guide you though the R-134 conversion. It is really no big deal; you just replace the expansion valve with the newer type.

This will allow the 134 to work at a higher level. The original expansion valve will still produce cold air, but the newer ones made for 134 will produce colder air faster.

And don't forget the aux fan in front of the radiator. It is there because it is really needed to deal with the extra heat generated when your A/C system is running.

[Frank Reiner]

Indeed it is all possible, and not too difficult, if the car was produced with the evaporator and A/C fans installed. If those components are not installed, then everything in the console and under the dash will also be required from the donor. The complete HVAC package.

[kraakevik]

Perhaps others can chime in on the latest--but isn't R-12 still available at certified A/C shops with recycling facilities?


Tim Kraakevik
kraakevik@voyager.net