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AC in an MG

tony barnhill

Great Pumpkin - R.I.P
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Two things are happening right now:
1. I'm going through the dealer-installed AC system in my 74-1/2 rubber bumper MGB GT to get it back in working shape.
2. I just bought 6 complete dealer-installed AC sysatems for MG's.

So, I asked my friend John Weimer to do a write-up on how to install AC in an MG...he's done so & I've posted it on my web site:
https://www.theautoist.com/understanding_air_conditioning.htm
Take a look & tell me what you think, please. Over the next couple of days, I'm gonna take a photo of a system laid out on a table so you can see each component & understand theire relationship to one another.

[ 08-29-2003: Message edited by: tony barnhill ]</p>
 
How much are the AC units? Where do the controls go? Mines a 70, so no face vents. Also, I guess there is not a big need for AC here in upstate NY! It's 60 degrees this AM!

[ 08-29-2003: Message edited by: John Moore ]</p>
 
John, when I installed A/C in my 71BGT, I used the radio opening as a replacement for the later face level vents. I simply turned a pair of regular face level vents end to end and they fit the radio cut-out perfect. Some installations also had two vents that mounted at the junction of the radio console and the dash, duplicating the two on the ends of the dash. BTW, my a/c worked great way down here in La. One of these days I will reinstall it.
 
The controls were mounted in the vent pod that was mounted at the bottom edge ot the driver's side of the dash. Control consisted of a thermostat and a three position switch to control the fan and power to the a/c unit. It was a very neat and professional instalation, but it did severaly restrict access to the MGB hood release, which promped me to make my remote release that was accessable through the inner fender
 
Actually, gerry, controls were located in various places by the installer...most units had an underdash vent system that incorporated the controls...some units were 'fish eyes' & only had a couple of vents at each end on the dash..in that instance, the controls were put in the dummy plugs in the dash...
...good point though....we forgot control placement in the instructions! See, that's why I'm asking for assistance...
...oh, on steel dash cars, I highly recommend modifying the dash so the radio becomes the center vents - it really is a simple snap in mod!
...&, even if you don't have AC, you can cut round holes in your firewall, hook up the vent hoses & get fresh air at face level! Here's the modified '64 dash we're putting in Jerri's GT...
dash64001.jpg

...oh, $250 plus shipping

[ 08-29-2003: Message edited by: tony barnhill ]</p>
 
Right, Tony. Some units even used rectanglar vents below the dash, two or four placed in the areas mentioned. I know of at least four different vent systems that were used. Some of these had the controls in the pods next to the console. There were different manufacturers of the kits so there was no standard, so to speak. I do have a copy of the installations instruction booklet, dated 4-15-78, with some rather grainy b&w pictures, diagrams and parts lists that would be a welcomed addition to your kits. Interested in a copy? Along with it are some other pictures of other installations and a parts list for building a system from scratch with parts from Vintage Air, using the orignal evap unit.
 
Yes, please, gerry....email them to me & I'll include in JDW's instructions...I'll even give you credit along with him....pretty soon we'll have a compendium on MG AC's!
 
It's not in that format, Tony. 32 printed pages in book form, a photocopy of the original instructions and I have no way to scan it. I am willing to have Kinko's make a copy for you and mail it to you, then you can scan it or whatever.
 
I'm still undecided about AC in my B. A friend of mine has the whole original A/C works from his '80. I'll be watching this thread and your site though Tony!
 
Oh, another thing to consider for those of you who may be considering adding A/C to a CB B-if you run your freon hoses through the radiator support as the oil cooler hoses are run, the next time you have to pull the engine to do a clutch job you will have to open your a/c system as well because you will not be able to remove the rad support from the car. I learned this the hard way. To solve this problem, I modified the rad support so that it comes apart in two pieces, the joint connecting the holes for the a/c hoses. After that, the rad and it's support can be removed without disturbing the a/c condensor. I can provide pics of what I did if anyone is interested. My lack of thinking things through caused me to remove the a/c from my car and it was ruined shortly after from a flood.
 
Tony, when you've done all the ciphering on the 74.5 RBGT let me know so I can use your hard won experience on my 74.5 RBGT. Sure wish I had AC now. Driving the GT this week has been brutal.
 
gerry...send it & lemme know the cost! oh, I'd suggest just cutting a groove out of the edge of the rad support so the AC lines run along the inner fender - believe I have a radiator support that somebody's done that to....looks like there'll be some changes to the AC instructions - JDW's already sent one!
 
Tony,
I'm definitely interested in a AC for my GT. Looking forward to seeing the pictures. Are the systems complete or do you have to purchase local componenets?
 
About the only things you'll need to purchase are hoses & belts - unless you want to change out to new style compressor so you can use new type freon
 
If they are R12 units, they do make a replacement refrigerant that is supposed to be compatible. I can't remember the number off the top of my head but I think it is a direct substitute after changing the oil and evacuating the system. Any guess on the condition of the seals in these units?
 
It is more than likely that the drier will need to be replaced as well. Anytime an A/C unit is exposed to air and humidity, the drier gets overloaded and should be replaced with a new one in order for it to work within the system. Moisture will ruin the componets in a hurry.
 
ooops, gerry...you're absolutely correct - I just assumed everybody knew that...never, ever reuse a dryer that's been open to the atmosphere. But, new dryers are cheap!
 
You guys can still probably buy the AC stuff.Here you have to have a liscence to purchase even used AC equipment from the wreckers. We do have a person in the sunbeam world who makes up this stuff to install ACs.But I figure if you are going to drive topless,who needs AC?
canpatriot.gif
 
Yea, my MGA came with factory air too. It's called a top and it's removable, not retractable. A heater was a dealer-installed option on an MGA.
 
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