Adding a/c to my Suby Conversion- Options, Not a huge fan of the big under dash unit in some 914's Options

[JRust]

Okay so I'm looking for some options for adding Air Conditioning to my 914. I have heat in the fresh air box now. Just want to have A/C for those long drives. I don't love the windows down all the time when it's hot out. Not to mention I tend to hit some of the out of town events. which usually are in some hot area's. So yes I want a little more comfort on those longer drives.

So let's keep the flames out of this if possible. I don't care if you don't like the idea. I'm looking for some options on adding aftermarket a/c. I'd still like to retain the 914 interior if possible. Not opposed to a little customization though. A fresh air box that could house both the a/c & heater would be great. I'm not a big fan of the under dash unit that came with the dealer add ons in 914's. What idea's do you guys have. Cost is a factor of course. I have my car at Original Customs now for some work. It will most likely be McMark doing the install.

Just trying to get the creative juices flowing. This is for my water cooled Subaru conversion. So this isn't some stock car I would be ruining (IMG:style_emoticons/default/happy11.gif)

[ClayPerrine]

Here are some views of my current prototype unit. I am still working on it, but unlike others here, I don't mind sharing. Please let me know if you have any ideas to add.


First off, to increase the space for the AC evaporator, I relocated the wiper motor to the left side of the car. I used a 964 wiper rack and motor, and some 914 wiper frame parts to do this. The arm that joins the two has been flipped to the top to provide more clearance. The link from the motor to the arm is built with sealed heim joints.





Next is the evaporator. I took the top of the BEHR fresh air box and put it on top of the VPC evaporator core box. There is just barely enough room to fit between the cowl and the top of the footwell. I have to add a notch just behind the radio to allow the evaporator core to fit far enough back to clear the gas tank. That notch will be the opening that feeds the center AC vent in the dash. The other two dash vents on the outside ends of the dash will be fed from the rear of the evaporator, using hoses.





The flapper boxes from the original 914 heater will have the side that connects to the blower wired to the position where they are open to the footwell all the time. That will be connected to the outboard ends of the blower, so it provides recirculation air from in the cabin. The center of the blower will be opened to the inside, and the top of the BEHR fresh air box will have a flap installed to close it off so I can add outside air to the mix if I want.

The dash switch that runs the current blower system will be retained to run the new blower, via relays. It will also energize the compressor when it is turned on. The top cable will be removed, the middle cable will open and close the outside air flap, and the bottom will control defrost or heat, just as it does now.

I want to add the ability to send AC to the windshield to use for defog, but I have not figured out how to do it....yet.