35 Years Later: VPC or DPD A/C? Options

[Roy]

Hiya fellas, I've got the unique opportunity of having two parts cars both with full A/C. One car has the VPC system and the other a DPD. Both systems look ok but I will likely send them out for refurbishment. So overall I'm wondering which system to go with? This will be in to a '73 2.0. I don't mind cutting up the car to fit the system as I will go about it much more gingerly than the dealers originally did and I will make sure to rust-proof my cuts. Are the differences mostly aesthetic? Does one system give more luggage space than the other? Does one cool better? Does one have a nicer install or require less cutting? Is one more 'correct' for a '73? This is not a question of whether I should or should not. My mind is made up and I have read enough posts to know that when in good working condition a 914 A/C system can make my girlfriend's important bits look 'perky' so please don't try to dissuade me. I am aware of the high horsepower consumption of the system and the availability of newer, more modern systems. I want a period correct, close to stock A/C system with the least possible modern upgrades for usefulness. A/C enthusiasts please reply!

[Tom_T]

Hiya fellas, I've got the unique opportunity of having two parts cars both with full A/C. One car has the VPC system and the other a DPD. Both systems look ok but I will likely send them out for refurbishment. So overall I'm wondering which system to go with? This will be in to a '73 2.0. I don't mind cutting up the car to fit the system as I will go about it much more gingerly than the dealers originally did and I will make sure to rust-proof my cuts. Are the differences mostly aesthetic? Does one system give more luggage space than the other? Does one cool better? Does one have a nicer install or require less cutting? Is one more 'correct' for a '73? This is not a question of whether I should or should not. My mind is made up and I have read enough posts to know that when in good working condition a 914 A/C system can make my girlfriend's important bits look 'perky' so please don't try to dissuade me. I am aware of the high horsepower consumption of the system and the availability of newer, more modern systems. I want a period correct, close to stock A/C system with the least possible modern upgrades for usefulness. A/C enthusiasts please reply!

Okay, FYI - here are some websites I've found & had bookmarked, which lists the accessories available & marketing brochures for same from some years - both VPC (made by VW in Ft. Worth) & DPD.

These may be helpful to others witth &/or looking out there at ACs as well:

http://members.rennlist.com/914_collectibl...Accessories.htm
http://members.rennlist.com/914_collectibles/Brochures.htm

Note that the factory options at the website below doesn't list AC (it was a dealer installed option in the US), but it's a goood compilation of various options available by the guy who did the rennlist 914 LE registry (I think).

http://members.rennlist.com/914_collectibles/OpEq.htm

This is the general rennlist webpage with all of the sections on 914s:
http://members.rennlist.com/914_collectibles/

These are probably great resources for seveal other bbs's here, so maybe the moderators could put them where they'll be of use elsewhere too?

Cheers!
Tom T
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