AC Idea?, Roof mounted AC for those that don't want to cut their car. Options

[ClayPerrine]

Roof mounted AC.

Just mount it to a spare targa top.




It pulls 48 amps, so you will need to put a bigger alternator on the car, but other than that, no mods necessary. Great for those who want to be able to drive in the hot parts of the country, but have an unmolested car.

Weighs 75lbs.


https://www.amazon.com/Douglas-D20-Rooftop-...mcx_mr_hp_atf_m

Clay

[mb911]

That is interesting and actually a value

[ClayPerrine]

The more I think about it, the more intrigued I am. Run the wires down the targa band to the battery posts, and put a quick disconnect in them inside the cabin next to the seat belt anchor.

Put the "good" top in the trunk. Drive to the event in Air conditioned comfort. Take the AC off, and put the "good" top on. Show the car at the event unmolested. Put the AC top back on for the drive home in Air Conditioned comfort.


I was actually looking for Elwood, our six. I don't want to molest it to put in AC, but we hate driving it in the heat. And there is a lot of heat here in Texas. We have a new top being refinished for it, so I was thinking about the old top.

Classic Retrofit makes a high amp alternator for early 911 engines. That would make up for the amp draw.

https://www.classicretrofit.com/products/po...150a-alternator


(IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif)

[IronHillRestorations]

I like it! Seems like a good use for a marginal looking old roof

[tygaboy]

Interesting!

The Amazon link call out a weight 100lb. I'm no structural engineer but even at 75lb, it seems like the top would need some reinforcement?
No biggie to do, just thinking it'd be a good idea.

And any concerns about that additional load on the windshield frame? Granted, the top being on helps, just noodling on what it'd take to make this work.

I know you'll keep us posted, thanks!

[PanelBilly]

Do it!

[mepstein]

Interesting!

The Amazon link call out a weight 100lb. I'm no structural engineer but even at 75lb, it seems like the top would need some reinforcement?
No biggie to do, just thinking it'd be a good idea.

And any concerns about that additional load on the windshield frame? Granted, the top being on helps, just noodling on what it'd take to make this work.

I know you'll keep us posted, thanks!

Unit weight is 75, shipped weight is 110.

[mepstein]

I bet the slight awkwardness of seeing it on the roof wood disappear quickly once you enjoy the air conditioned comfort. Besides the heavy duty alternator, install would be minimal work. I hope you try it out and let us know.

[Long_ago]

I did this in 1975.
Living in centeal CA the heat was challenging.
The downside was the cold air is right on top of your head and shoulder


And does not circulate in the cabin very well.


I'd also paint the roof a lighter color.

[76-914]

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[fixer34]

Roof mounted AC.

Just mount it to a spare targa top.




It pulls 48 amps, so you will need to put a bigger alternator on the car, but other than that, no mods necessary. Great for those who want to be able to drive in the hot parts of the country, but have an unmolested car.

Weighs 75lbs.


https://www.amazon.com/Douglas-D20-Rooftop-...mcx_mr_hp_atf_m

Clay

Did you check the measurements of this unit? Says 27-5/8" deep.
I just put a tape measure to my top and there is only 24" from the front seal to the targa bar. It looks like there is an 'inside' part also with the vents and controls that would interfere with the bar.

[Mikey914]

Interesting
As we are making a new structural roof for the new clear tops. It might be a good way to make a spare roof.
I could do in carbon fiber. I may have to play.

[tygaboy]

I'm thinking you could add some sort of rack to help disguise it.

[JamesM]

Interesting!

The Amazon link call out a weight 100lb. I'm no structural engineer but even at 75lb, it seems like the top would need some reinforcement?
No biggie to do, just thinking it'd be a good idea.

And any concerns about that additional load on the windshield frame? Granted, the top being on helps, just noodling on what it'd take to make this work.

I know you'll keep us posted, thanks!

Also listed is the fact that it is over 7 1/2" high.

914s are only 48" high to being with. That would be an odd looking roof

[mepstein]

Interesting!

The Amazon link call out a weight 100lb. I'm no structural engineer but even at 75lb, it seems like the top would need some reinforcement?
No biggie to do, just thinking it'd be a good idea.

And any concerns about that additional load on the windshield frame? Granted, the top being on helps, just noodling on what it'd take to make this work.

I know you'll keep us posted, thanks!

Also listed is the fact that it is over 7 1/2" high.

914s are only 48" high to being with. That would be an odd looking roof

Initially the look would give me pause but once you are in the car, you get to enjoy cool air. It has the possibility of turning a brutally hot trip into something fun and comfortable. The part owner of the Porsche shop where I used to work lives in Huston TX. He has put electric A/C into many of his Porsches. Otherwise, they are just too uncomfortable for him to drive in the Texas summer. This unit has the advantage of going back to a stock look in minutes.

[second wind]

Hey guys.....I love air conditioning and have it on in my S-10 all day and pretty much all night as well when driving at night. I live in Los Angeles and it has been very hot here lately. I do not drive my 914 on hot days (basically all summer) except before noon. Even then that is pushing it. So, the question I have is how does your poor little 4 cylinder air cooled engine feel about you staying cool on the inside while it is pushing the heat limits being driven in the heat? I don't want to do another engine rebuild ....plus hearing those valve seats coming loose is really bothersome. We should think of a way to air condition our engine compartments and maybe sneak a hose up to the cabin. I love A/C as I said but not at the expense of my engine. Thanks for your time.
gg

[bandjoey]

And suddenly I'm $4000 poorer - unit + alternator + roof + ?
vs. about $2600 for the complete Classic Air & alternator 914 a/c kit
Am I missing something here?

1975 Porsche 914-4 LHD Air Conditioning System

$1,875.00
CLASSIC DESIGNED ALL IT’S SYSTEMS FROM THE GROUND-UP… USING MODERN DAY OEM SYSTEMS AS THE BASELINE FOR PERFORMANCE.

This Model-Specific RetroFit™ system has been specifically engineered to convert a factory heat-only 1975 Porsche 914-4 LHD to full climate control. Like all RetroFit™ kits, each component was either specifically designed, or carefully chosen to fit your vehicle. This kit is complete and contains what you’ll need to get modern day, high performance A/C into your classic 1975 Porsche 914-4 LHD. Classic Auto Air is the only manufacturer with a complete system for your 1975 Porsche 914-4 LHD, and we have lots of engine compartment upgrades available.

All installation kits include detailed, step-by-step instructions, and customizing is a breeze. Plus no special tools are required and every system has the best warranty you'll find anywhere.

[mepstein]

The high power alternator that clay linked is for a six engine. I believe the attraction for this kit is the ability to install and remove in minutes.

[ClayPerrine]

And suddenly I'm $4000 poorer - unit + alternator + roof + ?
vs. about $2600 for the complete Classic Air & alternator 914 a/c kit
Am I missing something here?

1975 Porsche 914-4 LHD Air Conditioning System

$1,875.00
CLASSIC DESIGNED ALL IT’S SYSTEMS FROM THE GROUND-UP… USING MODERN DAY OEM SYSTEMS AS THE BASELINE FOR PERFORMANCE.

This Model-Specific RetroFit™ system has been specifically engineered to convert a factory heat-only 1975 Porsche 914-4 LHD to full climate control. Like all RetroFit™ kits, each component was either specifically designed, or carefully chosen to fit your vehicle. This kit is complete and contains what you’ll need to get modern day, high performance A/C into your classic 1975 Porsche 914-4 LHD. Classic Auto Air is the only manufacturer with a complete system for your 1975 Porsche 914-4 LHD, and we have lots of engine compartment upgrades available.

All installation kits include detailed, step-by-step instructions, and customizing is a breeze. Plus no special tools are required and every system has the best warranty you'll find anywhere.

Bill,
The cost is not the thing here.. it is for those of us that own a 914 that never had AC, and we don't want to cut it up to put AC in it. This would be removable in seconds and doesn't require cutting up the chassis.

Clay

[914sgofast2]

I did this in 1975.
Living in centeal CA the heat was challenging.
The downside was the cold air is right on top of your head and shoulder


And does not circulate in the cabin very well.


I'd also paint the roof a lighter color.

I would think that the ceiling vents could be configured / remodeled/ redone to blow all the cold air forward toward the windshield, rather than directly down onto the heads and shoulders of the occupants. After all, it’s going to be a custom installation in a 914.