Date:         Mon, 2 Sep 2002 01:49:36 -0400
Reply-To:     Warren Chapman <vwsyncroguy@YAHOO.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Warren Chapman <vwsyncroguy@YAHOO.COM>
Subject:      Re: Front A/C Installation - Aftermarket

I just completed installing a Behr unit that was salvaged from an 84
Vanagon.  Behr made a kit that was an "after purchase" dealer install in
pre-86 Vanagons.

While all the hoses were being hooked up by a local AC specialty shop, I
also heard about European Cooler Air and spoke at some length with the
owner, Jerry, on the phone.  If I had heard about his unit before going so
far with my installation, I would have gone with his system instead of what
I have.  I have not yet seen (or felt) one of his units installed in a
Vanagon, but it sure sounds better than the older Behr units.

Advantages of his unit (reportedly) are.....

1.  16,000BTU vs 12,000BTU output
2.  Smaller evaporator allows installation without removing the dashboard
(which is a MAJOR pain).
3.  Smaller evaporator allows installation without losing half your
glovebox.
4.  Custom center vent mounts on top of the dashboard instead of in the
radio hole in your dashboard like the Behr kit, so you get to keep your
radio in its normal location.

One negative, Jerry sent me one of his center vents to use with my ducting,
so I could move my radio back to the normal slot, but the louvers on the
vent can only be aimed in one direction.  My current vents are bi-
directional, ...allowing air to blow from the center location on both the
driver and the passenger.  I think Jerry has more than one type...perhaps
one with bi-directional vents.

My installation was a little complicated because I was also mating the new
front system with the VW factory rear unit but driving the whole system
with Subaru compressor (I have a Subaru conversion).  I also converted the
whole system to R134 refrigerant.

My system seems to work very well.  The Behr unit has two large squirrel
cage fans that move a lot of air. Its great to feel all that cool air
coming from the front but I haven't yet been on a trip into a really hot
place to give it the "acid test".  I live in Coastal CA but will soon take
a trip across the "Valley" to give it a real tryout.

If I was starting out new, I think I would give Jerry's unit serious
consideration.

Good luck

Warren Chapman
90 Syncro Westy with Subaru 2.2L power and (now) dual AC