air conditioner '73 Lotus Europa TC Special

[bobbythejudge]

I am thinking of putting in an air conditioner in my car and am looking for advice as to what would be the best unit for this car and also where to get one new or used? I am in South Texas and I mean South and gets pretty hot here. What would I need to do as far as a blower and condensor etc? Any info would be appreciated, Bobby:steeringwheel::mf_dribble:

[Autocross7]

I would look into a compressor from a Mazda. You should be able to source one in a 'you pull it' parts yard or some place similar. They are very well made and reliable. You could pull most of the system from a salvage yard car. the condensor will not have any damage if the rear or side of the car was smashed. The condensor can mount at an angle so you should be able to get it to fit in front or behind the radiator. Mounting the evaporator behind the dash could get tricky... I am not familiar enough to know what it is like back there, but you will need to box with a drain pipe it as it will collect humidity and drip. the current blower and duct work should be useable. There are a couple MGB cars with this set up, so I think a Europa could be done!

Cameron

[WayneB]

Contact RD Enterprises and see If they still have this Coolaire Europa A/C Kit left in stock.
http://lotus-europa2.com/ray/pages/garage.html

This is a coolaire Europa Manual on the excellent Lotuseuropa.org site.

http://www.lotuseuropa.org/images/WorkshopManual/ac_manual.pdf

The kit uses a Japanese Sanden 508 A/C compressor (same as the Turbo Esprit) which is a compact unit that is reasonably light. If RD dont have the Coolaire kit anymore I would contact Vintage Air and see If they can fix you up with a suitable system based on the Europas requirements.
http://www.vintageair.com/

If I remember correctly the Europa twincams that came factory fitted with AC were fitted with the GM Harrison A6 compressor which is almost as heavy as the engine itself!

[bobbythejudge]

Thanks for the info,I'm in Kansas now for the next 9 weeks but will contact them and see what they come up with. I might try looking around the Wichita area and see if there are any u pull its. Thanks again,Bobby :wave::steeringwheel:

[bobbythejudge]

Hey Wayne, I looked the manual and looks pretty complete on the installation. I'll try to contact them on to see if they still have that unit, Thanks again,Bobby:steeringwheel::cowboy:

[Martin]

Don't forget about http://www.vintageair.com/
It may be a bit expensive though.

[Andy B]

Just a thought, obviously conventional compressors have to be mounted close to a belt and often space is a premium. People must be totaling Prius and Camry hybrids so wreckers should have a supply of electric compressors. Of course that might lead to the need for a bigger output alternator etc. etc.

[bobbythejudge]

Hey Andy, That might be a good alternative,I'll look into that. My friend that has been helping me has a brother-in law that has an electrical shop and is going to rebuild my fan motor can probably rig up the unit if I get one,Thanks,Bobby:steeringwheel::wave:

[bobbythejudge]

Hey Martin, I put in a call to them and will probably hear from them this week.Thanks for the info, Bobby:steeringwheel::cowboy:

[Andy B]

Sorry, unwittingly I have misled you. Whilst sitting in traffic yesterday with the AC running in my Camry Hybrid and watching the battery display slowly discharge it hit me the electric AC compressor runs off the main 245 volt batteries and not off the regular 12 volt so my idea is short lived.
See here 2nd paragraph.
http://www.toyota.ca/NWS/media/pdf/07camryhyb_dis_e.pdf

[bobbythejudge]

Thanks anyway Andy:mf_dribble:.

[bobbythejudge]

Hey Martin, They called me yesterday and said that unit was sold some time ago but will contact me if another one becomes available,I have not heard back from Vintage air though and will call them again,Bobby:mf_dribble: