Andrew, you were talking about an adapter plate that will take a
better compressor?
Can I get some details?
Rob
vwrobb@...
On Wed, Aug 7, 2024 at 12:39?PM ANDREW via groups.io
<andrewvanis@...> wrote:
Swiss army, that's really good info.
Re compressor, I've designed an adapter plate that mounts to the typical 2.2/2.5 AC bracket which takes a very common FS10 compressor available from 4seasons or whoever.
The FS10 is about 11 cubic inches vs the typical 6-7 cubic inches for a passenger car/SUV. The Vanagon is 2x the interior volume if a 1999 Subaru Forester SUV.
On Wed, Aug 7, 2024, 9:33?AM swissarmychainsaw via groups.io <swissarmychainsaw@...> wrote:
Ebay has brackets, maybe ask the samba or FB groups too.
I've done a few AC systems on larger vehicles like suburbans and these vans.
My input is: it's worth it to invest in the tools to make your AC. Crimper, Vacuum pump, and gauges.
Once you get the basics, it's very straightforward to do at home.
On the van, one big issue it to prevent hot air flowing into the cab, aka "Hot Foot". Do that first.
If you want a killer system, I would use a stock rear AC and add a front unit. All SUV use dual evap. systems like this for a reason. Many will say the rear is enough, but I like it cold!
For front, there are several small units you could mount. The AW Behr style front would be my first choice, then maybe the small car, or a generic Vintage air small unit could work.
You just Tee the front and rear systems together (high side and low side).
Consumable parts that your should replace:
Accumulator/Drier (must)
Any o-ring you encounter (must) - use the green HNBR Nitrile ones
Thermal Expansion valve (TXV) at the stock rear unit (should do)
Parallel flow condensers work better than the fin/tube and are pretty affordable (should do)
Might be good to size the compressor for a dual system (should do) - call vintage air or any AC retailer for suggestions
Last thing I would consider - though I have not done this -would be an electric pusher fan on the condenser if you are in stop and go traffic at all. My van with the stock radiator fan does not do a great job of moving air across the condenser if the van is not physically moving.
On my suburban I had an e-fan and it would blow cold sitting at idle (for example during the AC charging procedure, where the Van had to go for a drive before it produced any cold air.)
Good Luck!
Nick
