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Todd16

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Hey everyone,
I’ve been mulling over the possibilities of ditching my conventional transportation for a MG daily driver. The issue is the AZ weather. Now, this is a double edge sword. While the rest of your baby’s are in a winter cocoon, I can be driving in total comfort from roughly October to May. The problem then lies with the remaining months when it’s 100 to 120 degrees. Mind you my blood has thinned quite a bit from when I lived in MN, but not that much. Thus the question is AC. Has anyone converted a MG climate control (i'm using this loosely) system to one of the modern systems these guys use in a hotrod? I would love to do a 68 MGB or C GT.
 
I think either car would work, the key is to get a small enough heater/ac unit to fit where the original heater box sits. And to be able to get air from the stock locations. I hate cobble jobs.
 
A/C was a dealer installed option on the B, and good used systems are available. I think Tony Barnhill has a bunch of them but he won't be open for business again til October
 
I thought about the dealer install systems, but i've heard they're only so good. Perhaps its the condenser and evap. Mabie i could swap them for good modern stuff?
 
I dont like A/C on British sport cars, but if you must, the MGBs had dealer installed systems when new and they worked OK. The current type after market small system would prove to be even more effective. I dont have any specific recommendations. A foot note however: My wife turns on the A/C of the Jaguar convertible in the hot Alabama summers with the top down (much to my consternation). Go for it!!! Jack
 
<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by adam90009:
why not have ac with the top down. best of both!<hr></blockquote>

cause A/C eats horsepower, which you don't have in abundance
 
I'd love to go topless with the A/C on, but when it's 115 degrees, it's 115 degrees.
 
Aloha,

I don't have AC in my MG or TR3A, but I find that on long drive in the day time, it is more comfortable with the top up. The direct rays of the sun are quite warm, even with a hat.

Safety Fast,
Dave
 
and a long sleeve shirt to keep the sunburn down
iagree.gif
 
<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by adam90009:
why not have ac with the top down. best of both!<hr></blockquote>

I hate to admit this, but I do it with my Miata all the time.
As for my Spridget, I built a small surry top a few years ago (mostly from an old convertible top). It spans the roll bar to the top of the windshield and keeps the sun mostly off....makes a big difference.
Speaking of Miatas, their A/C system is small and plentiful (in junkyards)....wonder if one could be adapted to a Brit car? There are lots of other small Asian cars with compact A/C systems that might work too.
 
That's a great idea! You would think it's small enough. I'm going to check into that.
 
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