Retrofitting Air Con
Discussion
The car I have purchased doesn't have air con even though there is a button on dash :-( How big a job is it to retrofit it to the car, I am concerned that the cockpit is going to get very hot considering lack of ventilation and the colour being black, I am also considering racing it. Is it feasable to locate the condensor rad in one of the sidepods at the rear or does it have to be fitted at the front? Thanks
rs_man said:
The car I have purchased doesn't have air con even though there is a button on dash :-( How big a job is it to retrofit it to the car, I am concerned that the cockpit is going to get very hot considering lack of ventilation and the colour being black, I am also considering racing it. Is it feasable to locate the condensor rad in one of the sidepods at the rear or does it have to be fitted at the front? Thanks
The usual location for the condensor IS in the sidepods at the rear (on the drivers side). Button on the dash is probably for the blower?Retrofitting it is not an easy task and involves some keyhole surgery under the dash. Crazyofcookham did it so is far better qualified to tell you what a mare it is
rs_man said:
Thanks Stig, didn't think it was going to be an easy job. Is the factory supplied unit the only option. Anyone fitted anything else?
There are, no doubt, units out there which will do the job but would require some thought and experimentation to install.However...
If you are trying to retrofit, working upside down in the footwell, I would suggest going with a known install and the advise available from those who have done it before.
Steve
I have seen an Ultima with the front fibreglass bulkhead cut away to obtain much better access to the underneath of the dashboard . It seems a bit drastic but if done neatly and in a way that you can screw the cutout bit firmly back in may be a risk worth taking .
Thats not me on the right
Frank
Thats not me on the right
Frank
Edited by 60mph on Saturday 10th October 18:43
Edited by 60mph on Sunday 11th October 17:07
60mph said:
I have seen an Ultima with the front fibreglass bulkhead cut away to obtain much better access to the underneath of the dashboard . It seems a bit drastic but if done neatly and in a way that you can screw the cutout bit firmly back in may be a risk worth taking .
Thats not me on the right .
Frank
I think you will find the hatch was cut to access the brake pedals.Thats not me on the right .
Frank
A hatch in that position will not be far enough back to help fitting AC which sits only a few inches behind the dash.
Steve
GTRMikie said:
Keith (ditto) retrofitted AC to his GTR. I think he used a "Car Builders Solution" kit, or parts of it. If Keith can get under the dashboard to fit it, anyone can!
Oi you saying im fat 
I did use a unit from kit car solutions, which is a slightly smaller unit under the dash and didn’t have any problems at all, removed the seats installed a pillow and went to work
Can be done although would be far more difficult on a GTR. On the Canam I was able to remove the winscreen and then the centre instument pod. The aircon unit was installed from underneath and not from the top. Removing the seats makes the whole thing a bit easier. I did however use a small 90 degree drill to remove old support plate and then used taht as template for aircon support plate. I had to cut off back of plate and then refix after so as to get unit in. Mail me if you need specifics happy t help.
BTW if you intend to track or race not sure if having A/C good idea. I always turn mine off on track as engine getting enough stick without having to run a/c.
BTW if you intend to track or race not sure if having A/C good idea. I always turn mine off on track as engine getting enough stick without having to run a/c.
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