Date:         Mon, 21 Jul 2003 18:12:49 -0400
Reply-To:     Kim Brennan <kimbrennan@MAC.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Kim Brennan <kimbrennan@MAC.COM>
Subject:      Re: Looking for A/C System
Comments: To: Blake Heinlein <blakeheinlein@YAHOO.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <000201c34fc2$d7eeb160$1401a8c0@server.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed

Let's consider a few issues. The Westfalias can't take the standard
(late model) middle of the vehicle AC system (which by the way does a
REALLY impressive job of cooling down the inside.) That leaves you with
3 choices of AC's that were equipped on new vehicles

1) In the front Dash. I can't speak about how effective this model is,
but as it was done on the earliest Vanagons the plastic on this style
is going to be 20 or more years old. Potentially brittle and not an
easy install.

2) Over the front compartment. Not installed on Westfalias, but I
understand adapatable, this style can reduce the headroom available for
the front two seats. Probably not much of an issue as Vanagons already
have impressive head room.

3) Westfalia style, i.e. in the cabinet over the rear. This replaced
the storage area above the rear section with the evaporator and duct
work. The problem with this is getting the cooled air up to the front
(e.g. driver). In a fully functioning system, this does work.

Larry Chase has a dash mounted front AC in the RoadHaus. Got in
installed down in Texas.

On Monday, July 21, 2003, at 04:01  PM, Blake Heinlein wrote:

> I want to get the lists opinion on the following:
> - Recommendations on equipment & installation.
> - Things to watch out for.
> - Refrigeration fluid recommendation.
> - Aftermarket A/C providers.
> - Types of compressors recommendations.
> - Anyone selling/parting out their A/C system.