Resto-Mod AC system, Miata AC? Options

[BPic]

I need to add AC to my 72 914 to get my wife in it for anything longer than a trip to the grocery store. I'm currently down to the tub and doing rust repairs now, but think I should plan this out for wiring, AC lines, etc. at this point.

I used to have a Miata and the AC was great so I thought it would be a good system to 'Mod" in. This is a 3 part system and I would eliminate the heater section and run just the blower and Evaporator sections.

Original plan: I can get the compete Miata AC system, evap, blower, condenser, controls, relays, everything for about $250. (it appears that the Miata units will fit) Have custom lines made and install the condenser in the frunk in the renegade radiator spot. I would then customize an air dam to pull air in. So I would not position the condenser in the normal aftermarket hole in floor. I would also add a custom gauge console and hide the controls in it and add 2 - 914 vents into it as well and have the air vent through the original dash vents and the 2 new ones. Being in Miami I don't need or want the heater so that would all be eliminated.

Has anyone done this and if so what manufacture AC did you use? Or am I totally nuts to think this is possible? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/screwy.gif)

Thanks in advance for any thoughts, crticism, assistance, or opinions.

[Mike Bellis]

Why not get an actual 914 AC system? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

[914forme]

Lots of under dash A/C systems would work (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

I am mocking up one using the Vintage Air system Micro or Mini I can't remember which as I have both units. One of them just fits behind the gas tank on the passenger side. Half in and out of the car. Not a huge amount of metal work, not prove solution just yet either.

Kent used an under dash unit in his build.. Yes it is a conversion car, but the basics are the same. Oh they make one with out the heat / defrost option.

Stock picture you can get them with out the silver vent surround.

[BPic]

Why not get an actual 914 AC system? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

I looked at those and being pretty much a self contained system it wasn't the appearance I was looking for. I would like to use the stock air vents on each side if the dash and add 2 in the console. Really looking for an option of not having look like a bolt on unit like the aftermarket 914 units. I'm not trying to keep the car all original as this will be a mid mod car in other ways as well.

[Elliot Cannon]

My wife doesn't like to ride in my 914 and I'm perfectly fine with that. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

[BPic]

My wife doesn't like to ride in my 914 and I'm perfectly fine with that. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/lol-2.gif)

[914forme]

If your running. center console and don't mind doing a bit of fabrication than I would think One of these might do the trick.

Mini Cooler

Or wait for McMark to get his done, I think it was Mark (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif) Also a great write up on here for another version by Larry Hubby, he did a series of 4 posts on what he did. This will give you an idea of his setup and make you dig a bit deeper.

[Tom_T]

Auto Atlanta sells an updated 914 AC system which cools better, uses R134 & robs less HP than the originals, & is based on the dealer supplied DP system, available in 1 or 2 evaporator coil types.

Yes it does attach under the dash & requires the shortened center console, but you would have to rework a mess of air vent & heater plumbing to add something to work in the existing side vents.

AFAIK anything AC for the old 914s & 911/912/930s were mounted under the dash, until when the Porsche began offering factory AC in 911s, & that was in the `80s IIRC.

Good Luck! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)
Tom
///////

[Dave_Darling]

The stock system is somewhat intrusive of footroom, especially near the throttle pedal. The installation generally also leaves something to be desired in terms of cleanliness.

One of the guys here on the board hid a system in the stock cool air box, and could use the stock fan and distribution system to deliver the air. That's a much nicer install IMHO than the stock under-dash type. It did involve a fair amount of work, of course.

I don't remember how the compressor and condenser were handled. There may have been an electric compressor used? That offers a ton of flexibility for mounting options; you don't need to line up with any of the pulleys on the engine that way. No cutting holes in the cooling tin...


EDIT: Oops, the one I was thinking of was the one by Larry Hubby, as Stephen pointed to in his post above!!

--DD

[BIGKAT_83]

Here you go Larrys AC install

This has to be one of the best threads, The only ones that even compare are his other threads.
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/smilie_pokal.gif)

[Steve]

If your running. center console and don't mind doing a bit of fabrication than I would think One of these might do the trick.

Mini Cooler

Or wait for McMark to get his done, I think it was Mark (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif) Also a great write up on here for another version by Larry Hubby, he did a series of 4 posts on what he did. This will give you an idea of his setup and make you dig a bit deeper.

That’s what I plan on doing as well as an electric compressor. Just no time to put it together. I have the condenser already installed.

[BPic]

Larry's post is amazing!!

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/016.gif) Mad skills and a great write up.

I think I'll dig into that.

[flmont]

There is also a company that does AC. for VW beatles Iceautoair.com

[ClayPerrine]

There is also a company that does AC. for VW beatles Iceautoair.com

They make a kit to put in a rotary compressor for a type IV that works like a charm in a 914.

I have one in Betty's car, and I highly recommend it.

[76-914]

You live in TX and install a CA A/C system in your 914. I live in CA and install a TX A/C system in mine. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/screwy.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/av-943.gif)

[McMark]

If your running. center console and don't mind doing a bit of fabrication than I would think One of these might do the trick.

Mini Cooler

Or wait for McMark to get his done, I think it was Mark (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif) Also a great write up on here for another version by Larry Hubby, he did a series of 4 posts on what he did. This will give you an idea of his setup and make you dig a bit deeper.

I have a design that replaces the stock fresh air box. Works well, but is a PITA to make because it' such a complicated piece.

If you want something that comes out the stock vents and you're willing to put out the $, I've got the goods.

[BPic]

If your running. center console and don't mind doing a bit of fabrication than I would think One of these might do the trick.

Mini Cooler

Or wait for McMark to get his done, I think it was Mark (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif) Also a great write up on here for another version by Larry Hubby, he did a series of 4 posts on what he did. This will give you an idea of his setup and make you dig a bit deeper.

I have a design that replaces the stock fresh air box. Works well, but is a PITA to make because it' such a complicated piece.

If you want something that comes out the stock vents and you're willing to put out the $, I've got the goods.

McMark, I would certainly be interested to see what you have. Thanks!

[Steve]

If your running. center console and don't mind doing a bit of fabrication than I would think One of these might do the trick.

Mini Cooler

Or wait for McMark to get his done, I think it was Mark (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif) Also a great write up on here for another version by Larry Hubby, he did a series of 4 posts on what he did. This will give you an idea of his setup and make you dig a bit deeper.

I have a design that replaces the stock fresh air box. Works well, but is a PITA to make because it' such a complicated piece.

If you want something that comes out the stock vents and you're willing to put out the $, I've got the goods.

What is the cost? Also can it recirculate the inside air versus always being air from the outside?

[McMark]

I need to transition the design to Fusion360 and make some tweaks. I'll start working on it at home in the evening, but expect something over $500, probably closer to the $1000 range. It doesn't recirculate the air. That would be really complicated and would involve cutting the body, which isn't something I'm interested in pursuing.

[DRPHIL914]

If your running. center console and don't mind doing a bit of fabrication than I would think One of these might do the trick.

Mini Cooler

Or wait for McMark to get his done, I think it was Mark (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif) Also a great write up on here for another version by Larry Hubby, he did a series of 4 posts on what he did. This will give you an idea of his setup and make you dig a bit deeper.

I have a design that replaces the stock fresh air box. Works well, but is a PITA to make because it' such a complicated piece.

If you want something that comes out the stock vents and you're willing to put out the $, I've got the goods.

I really would be interested to know more about this Mark- BTW installing the pushrods tubes with your seals, interested to see how the seal up- just going to apply oil for lube only no other sealant.