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Air conditioning in a Healey...see photo
- Thread starter AUSMHLY
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Keoke
Great Pumpkin
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Thats not someones attempt to install AC in a Healey. What you are seeing is the original AC sytem installed in the Big Healeys at that time. Thank goodness he at least got that cuz he didn't get much else for that kind of silly money- /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif--Keoke
bighly
Jedi Knight
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Roger,
I have seen two or three successful AC installations in Healeys. Most were from the Texas club guys. I have considered it if I were to do a few of the runs down to Texas with the wife. I am restoring a hardtop in anticipation of bringing the wife along on long runs (3000 or more miles in one trip) and would only use it with AC.
I have seen two or three successful AC installations in Healeys. Most were from the Texas club guys. I have considered it if I were to do a few of the runs down to Texas with the wife. I am restoring a hardtop in anticipation of bringing the wife along on long runs (3000 or more miles in one trip) and would only use it with AC.
Dave Richards
Jedi Knight
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That's the same original type kit that was on e-bay a few months ago...(that nobody bid on)
tahoe healey
Yoda
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Does the air-conditioning unit creat more hear under the bonnet? I'm not sure there would be enough room under there and the second radiator would reduce the air to the main one?
Keoke
Great Pumpkin
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Yes TH, I suspect that the additional load on the engine raises engine temperatures. The additional electrical load requires the use of an alternator. Those very good installation I have seen also use uprated radiators and large additional electric cooling fans. Several AC cars exist here in Southern CA and the ones I have seen are very well executed, represent good engineering and integration within the available space and work a treat.---Keoke- /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/yesnod.gif
AndrewMawson
Jedi Trainee
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[ QUOTE ]
Here's a photo of someones attempt at installing air conditioning.
[/ QUOTE ]
When I was searching for a big Healey three years ago I was offered one with that exact kit and it seemed to have been dealer fitted from what the (long time)owner said. Under the bonnet was rather packed as I remember round the generator, and there was an extra Vee belt drive for the compressor. I spoke to the firm that had maintained the vehicle for the last 20 years, and they cursed the air con as it made access under the dash a nightmare. The air con in my present BJ8 is more than adequate - I just drop the top !
Here's a photo of someones attempt at installing air conditioning.
[/ QUOTE ]
When I was searching for a big Healey three years ago I was offered one with that exact kit and it seemed to have been dealer fitted from what the (long time)owner said. Under the bonnet was rather packed as I remember round the generator, and there was an extra Vee belt drive for the compressor. I spoke to the firm that had maintained the vehicle for the last 20 years, and they cursed the air con as it made access under the dash a nightmare. The air con in my present BJ8 is more than adequate - I just drop the top !
AndrewMawson
Jedi Trainee
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Is that the one that was on eBay a few months back?
Keoke
Great Pumpkin
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[ QUOTE ]
That's the same original type kit that was on e-bay a few months ago...(that nobody bid on)
[/ QUOTE ]
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/savewave.gif
Well Dar100, I sure missed seeing it. If I had seen it I would have been on it like white on rice. Replace the big old compressor with a modern small one and you would be good to go.---Keoke- /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hammer.gif
That's the same original type kit that was on e-bay a few months ago...(that nobody bid on)
[/ QUOTE ]
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/savewave.gif
Well Dar100, I sure missed seeing it. If I had seen it I would have been on it like white on rice. Replace the big old compressor with a modern small one and you would be good to go.---Keoke- /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hammer.gif
Dave Richards
Jedi Knight
Offline
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/nonod.gif Keoke, you sure did know about it, /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/yesnod.gif 'cause I asked a million questions here, you were very helpful, imagine that!
I talked to the guy listing it in CT and made an offer he could refuse, his minimum bid was around $2,500!!!
I flat out didn't like the idea of cutting up the dash to get that panel in there.
I talked to the guy listing it in CT and made an offer he could refuse, his minimum bid was around $2,500!!!
I flat out didn't like the idea of cutting up the dash to get that panel in there.
Offline
I own a 67 BJ8. I purchased a factory AC, new in the box, back in 1976. The parts were wrapped in 1965 Miami Herald newspaper. I just upgraded last year to a more modern takeoff and have had excellent sucess with it. The upgrade conversion was done locally in Dallas, Texas. I paid for the developemnet of the now Alternator/Compressor bracket.
I still have the original "installation Instructions".
Maybe some of you "old timers" in the Pacific Center Healey Club will remember reading the article that I wrote for the May/June 1981 issue?
I still have the original "installation Instructions".
Maybe some of you "old timers" in the Pacific Center Healey Club will remember reading the article that I wrote for the May/June 1981 issue?
healeynut
Jedi Knight
Offline
Patrick -
That's great. Can you share with us some info?
1) What blower/exchanger did you use? I've been having a look at Old Air's Hurricane system but am unsure if it will fit where the heater currently is.
2) What condensor did you use and where did you mount it? I am very concerned that putting it up against the radiator will cause the car to run hot - the techie at old air told me it is better to mount it as far forward of the radiatior as you possibly can - I tend to believe him.
3) Is the compressor larger than the old generator or the same size? My BJ8 is RHD so there's not much space because the steering shaft is right there.
Do you have any pictures to share with us?
That's great. Can you share with us some info?
1) What blower/exchanger did you use? I've been having a look at Old Air's Hurricane system but am unsure if it will fit where the heater currently is.
2) What condensor did you use and where did you mount it? I am very concerned that putting it up against the radiator will cause the car to run hot - the techie at old air told me it is better to mount it as far forward of the radiatior as you possibly can - I tend to believe him.
3) Is the compressor larger than the old generator or the same size? My BJ8 is RHD so there's not much space because the steering shaft is right there.
Do you have any pictures to share with us?
I know the UK is cooler (at least for the time being) than some parts of the US, but, I spent most of the last winter super insulating the cockpit. There were some very useful ideas on here. My genuine concern now is that the heater is not powerful enough! I'd super insulate before considering air conditioning.
R
RonMacPherson
Guest
Guest
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A suggestion.
Do a search for Arizona Air.. They are an outfit that builds/sells/installs kits for aftermarket. They do a lot of hot rods, unique cars, etc. See what advice they can offer.
Might also be ArizonaAutoAir.
Do a search for Arizona Air.. They are an outfit that builds/sells/installs kits for aftermarket. They do a lot of hot rods, unique cars, etc. See what advice they can offer.
Might also be ArizonaAutoAir.
Offline
HealeyNut,
The blower unit was from Old Air. Bret Blades of Blades Design did the complete installation. See https://www.twoblades.com
The original heater was removed and a combination unit installed. The unit has the heater core and eveporator with fan all in one. With vents where the speaker was and near the ends of the dash by the doors, you get plenty of heat or air. A unit is available without the heater section and it just has more eveporator to it for those who need more cold air volume. My unit blows 44 degress going down the road. This is with the "original" condensor(in front of the radiator), and replacement R12 called Freeze 12.
I'm not worried about over temping the engine since an thermostatically controlled electric fan is in front. The fan is dual wired for engine temp and/or when the AC is on and the temp gets high.
The small rotary compressor is probably a little larger diameter than the original generator. I paid Bret to finish up the "still in the design stages" Compressor/Alternator bracket and then to make the conversion. This bracket replaces the front engine plate. I though it a the best set-up to use after seeing a couple of cars at the 2004 Conclave with their brackets hanging off of those frail looking dog ears on the original bracket. The original controls to operate the AC were left in their original location.
I can't attach pictures to this email since I don't have a website(I guess that's what you have to have in order to attach photos?). I have all the pictures as files in my computer and will be happy to send them to anyone in a separate email. Just ask. I also have pictures of some other cars that were converted to AC that I saw at the 2004 Conclave in San Antonio, Tx. I also have the original installation instructions scanned and available to those who would like to see what the original real "Factory Approved" AC consisted of. I met Donald Healey several years ago when he first came to one of the big meets. I asked him about the AC's and he said they made the car "quite comfortable". The rorary compressor is far smoother than the piston type York unit that came with the factory unit.
Not sure what you would have to do about the RH drive set-up.
Patrick
The blower unit was from Old Air. Bret Blades of Blades Design did the complete installation. See https://www.twoblades.com
The original heater was removed and a combination unit installed. The unit has the heater core and eveporator with fan all in one. With vents where the speaker was and near the ends of the dash by the doors, you get plenty of heat or air. A unit is available without the heater section and it just has more eveporator to it for those who need more cold air volume. My unit blows 44 degress going down the road. This is with the "original" condensor(in front of the radiator), and replacement R12 called Freeze 12.
I'm not worried about over temping the engine since an thermostatically controlled electric fan is in front. The fan is dual wired for engine temp and/or when the AC is on and the temp gets high.
The small rotary compressor is probably a little larger diameter than the original generator. I paid Bret to finish up the "still in the design stages" Compressor/Alternator bracket and then to make the conversion. This bracket replaces the front engine plate. I though it a the best set-up to use after seeing a couple of cars at the 2004 Conclave with their brackets hanging off of those frail looking dog ears on the original bracket. The original controls to operate the AC were left in their original location.
I can't attach pictures to this email since I don't have a website(I guess that's what you have to have in order to attach photos?). I have all the pictures as files in my computer and will be happy to send them to anyone in a separate email. Just ask. I also have pictures of some other cars that were converted to AC that I saw at the 2004 Conclave in San Antonio, Tx. I also have the original installation instructions scanned and available to those who would like to see what the original real "Factory Approved" AC consisted of. I met Donald Healey several years ago when he first came to one of the big meets. I asked him about the AC's and he said they made the car "quite comfortable". The rorary compressor is far smoother than the piston type York unit that came with the factory unit.
Not sure what you would have to do about the RH drive set-up.
Patrick