Date:         Wed, 5 Aug 1998 12:02:16 EDT
Reply-To:     FrankGRUN@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Frank Grunthaner <FrankGRUN@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Adding AC During Engine Swap-What I Did
Comments: To: Vanagon@VANAGON.COM
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII

One of the two primary reasons I took on the engine swap ('90 Golf GTI into
'82 Diesel Westfalia) was to install an airconditioning system. With the
junkyard
purchase of the engine (with harness, fuel pump and filter module, and air
filter
 assembly) I also took the Sanyden AC compresser (got the PS pump too). The
bracket worked out just fine after some minor repositioning of the alternator
and reworking the alternator belt tensioning system to clear under the stock
engine cover. Had to change the water pump pulley to one I found in the
junkyard
to properly line things up .

For the rest of the system, I took the condensor and evaporator assembly (with
harness) from an '85 regular (non-westy) vanagon. No problem mounting the
condensor. I mounted the evaporator just behind the driver/passenger seat, so
that it sticks out 7 inches past the roof opening. I then shortened the
transfer
 duct to the front controls and air manifold to fit. I then fabricated a solid
wood
cover (catching the ridge on the roof) strong enough to sit on, stained it and
 mounted it just ahead of the hinge points for the poptop. I mounted the
receiver/drier in the stock location, bringing the A/C hoses into the
westfalia
stove cabinet. Had to use my router on the stove lid cover, modify the plastic
covers to enclose the A/C hoses and had custom hoses (length) made at Hoseman.

Modifing the wiring was a hassle, but results are great. Filled with R-12 BTW.

Frank Grunthaner