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Spitfire Spitfire AC installaion

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number6

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I have been trying to get info on Spitfire AC installation, Getting the usual
can't be done, not enough power etc. My feeling is that Ac's are smaller,require less
power and will certainly fit under the bonnet. Has anyone done this? Any pitfalls or any
notable successes? My reasoning for this is an upcoming extensive trip to the deep South
this summer. Any thoughts would be welcome be they yeah or nay.
 
There are a few things to consider, Bracket design and space and place to mount a compressor. Where will the drive belt be positioned, double crank pulley or some other pulley. Space under the dash for an evaporator coil and where to place the expansion valve and dryer. Sizing of the condenser and mounting position. Selecting a compressor. Is the present radiator sufficient for the extra cooling needed.
Do you need to upgrade the electrical system for the increased power requirements?

These are just a few of the issues that need dealt with.

JVV
 
It must be possible- I've seen AC in a California Mini. The engine in the Mini was 1275, I believe. I agree that current compressors and such are more efficient than outfits used when Spitfires were being produced. doesn't Moss have some AC units for sale?

T.T.
 
All things are possible. I've seen Model A Fords driven here (Indianapolis) from Texas which were A/C equipped.
 
For what it's worth, air conditioning was a US dealer-installed option on the Herald 1200! Jerry has described well the various issues involved, and I'm pretty sure it's been done at least informally on TR6s and GT6s, so it shouldn't be an insurmountable problem on a Spitfire.

That said, I've been in Triumphs in the deep South in summer, and it can be unpleasant. However, it might be cheaper to install a good white top with a zip-out rear window? ;)
 
Andrew Mace said:
... it might be cheaper to install a good white top with a zip-out rear window? ;)
Click to expand...

That's what I did but there are certainly times in AZ & NM when AC would be most welcome.

Luggage.jpg
 
But...I thought it was a DRY heat! :devilgrin:

Seriously, I remember riding in a TR6 from NY to TX (and back) for the 1997 VTR Convention. After the second day on the road, we most needed to keep the sun off of us. Meanwhile, the zip-out rear window was a godsend!

Nice wheels on that TR4, BTW!
 
Just curious...how deep in the South are you planning and in what month(s) ?
 
Thanks, talked to an auto air specialist, after looking at it he seemed to think it wasn't going to be
impossible. He did suggest a larger alternator.
 
Thanks, I hadn't thought of a white top, good idea anytime.
 
I have never been south so am planning on a 6 week trip to just about everywhere. Have decided to start in Savannah.
 
If New Orleans is part of your plans, find a place to park your Spitfire while you are there and rent a car.
 
Andrew Mace said:
For what it's worth, air conditioning was a US dealer-installed option on the Herald 1200! Jerry has described well the various issues involved, and I'm pretty sure it's been done at least informally on TR6s and GT6s, so it shouldn't be an insurmountable problem on a Spitfire.

That said, I've been in Triumphs in the deep South in summer, and it can be unpleasant. However, it might be cheaper to install a good white top with a zip-out rear window? ;)
Click to expand...

The TR6 AC units are currently available. The key is there is a complete evap system designed for the interior. I'm trying to develop a system to mount a compressor on a TR4A engine and I'm dealing with all of the issues I mentioned above but I can use the same evap system as the TR6 because the interiors are essentially the same. That makes my job just a little bit easier..................but not much. There is not a lot of real estate to mount a compressor on the wet sleeve engine. Plus I'm in the AC parts business so I can experiment with stuff just a bit.
 
number6 said:
Thanks, I hadn't thought of a white top, good idea anytime.
Click to expand...
In the past 12 years, my experience with the white Herald (sedan, but still white) has convinced me again that white is the cool way to go. And that works both ways: most people think the Herald is cool, and it really does NOT heat up inside in summer sun as much as other cars do. Same is true of my '67 Sports 1200 convertible, which will get a new white top this year! :D
 
A white top with the windows cut out makes a BIG difference!

If you do go with AC, something you might consider is a switch that would release the AC clutch at 3/4 throttle or above. There is no question that the engine can turn the AC and maintain speed at the same time, but it will have an impact on how quickly you can accelerate (to pass another car, for example).
 
Hi Randall, I think the switch is a great idea, since I don't have OD, could use that switch placement on shifter. I would like OD, but have decided to lower Rear ratio to 3.63-1.
Tom S
 
Hi Andrew, Currently using Weber setup, so it's certainly easy enough to do that. I have never used a Weber carb, always
S.U.s. When I bought this car the former owner had installed a banjo instrument machine head so he could adjust the idle from the drivers seat along with other stuff which I am currently removing. Reality is I don't know enough about the carb at this time, and thought the shifter switch would be more expedient till I can sort the issues out.
 
A switch that was controlled by manifold vacuum...when the vacuum drops during acceleration the AC compressor cuts off.
 
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