airconditioning in a spider ?!?!?

[Nick]

Of course they did!


With air conditioning:




Without:

[swede]

I had a/c in my -75 spider but I ripped all that out and throw it away, maybe I should have saved it.

[RedWolf]

I make the brackets to install a modern compressor on the exhaust side of the engine. The rest of the components for A/C are fairly generic. It's a nice addition down here in Texas!

Doesn't running te A/C add some additional engine heat? I live in TX too and saved the aftermarket A/C unit - does your car run OK temp wise, even stuck in traffic in the summer? I had an auxiliary fan installed in my car (it's an automatic) and still had to pull over a time or two when stuck in traffic; not sure if this is just the way it is w/an automatic Fiat in TX.

[Twister]

RedWolf - I can't speak to mine overheating, the factory A/C unit is DOA (another project waiting for time). If you are having overheating problems I'd suggest pulling the radiator and taking it to a good radiator shop to be flushed and pressure tested. Mine was half full of radiator stop-leak and overheated easily. After a good flush and a having few leaks sealed, it stays nice and cool.

[Nancy1340]

I have AC in my '80 and was put in when the car was new. It works fine in 100 weather. Not great but it keeps me comfortable. The temp gauge never gets over about 180. I am going to put in a second fan though.

[Daniel]

Jason

I make the brackets to install a modern compressor on the exhaust side of the engine. The rest of the components for A/C are fairly generic. It's a nice addition down here in Texas!

What kind of compressor is the bracket you make for ? and how much i've been thinking of doing this

[HFK]

I can confirm that A/C & power windows were an option when I purchased my '81 Spider. That & turbo were the only optional packages that were offered. Must admit that I laughed at the salesman.

[ontherun]

Our 81 has A/C, works great here in San Antonio,..doesn't overheat,..has a Sanden compressor..had to retrofit to 134 but no problems..L