Aftermarket AC options?

[stevenmd]

What are some aftermarket AC options out there? Is there a slim version of the RV roof AC? Are there engine bay mounted options? Key here is aftermarket as AC was not an option for this specific production year, nor will it be possible to fabricate a mounting bracket to add it to the engine.

How are the aftermarket units powered? Am I looking at something that is going to draw so much power I am going to have to rewire the whole vehicle?

Thanks,
Steven

 

[Lynn]

What's your target vehicle?

I know that http://www.vintageair.com/ does some pretty cool stuff (pun intended).

 

[computeruser]

They're definitely out there. Most of the classic 60s muscle cars have add-on aftermarket kits available that can be retrofitted into other vehicles, too. Uses a normal belt-driven compressor off the engine, just like OEM.

 

[DaveInDenver]

I got aftermarket A/C for my truck from http://www.ackits.com. Generic Seltec TM15 compressor and mounting bracket, universal receiver/dryer and condenser. The evaporator is probably a universal model, but it was installed in a housing molded to fit under my dash. The hoses were custom made for my application and are very good quality. Very happy with the kit.

 

[oldcj5guy]

You might do some research into a/c's for semis. There have been a lot of new things coming out in that area since the no idling laws came out. I see a lot of them roll in here with a slim unit on the rear of the cab with lines going inside. The ones I have looked into start around 1k and up. Other than that there are several different companies that make aftermarket underdash units with compressors that will mount to almost any engine.

What is the rig?

 

[mhiscox]

If the vehicle is big enough, you can go with a Red Dot add-on unit. Several Unimogs have had them fitted to the cab roof and Michael Slade's crew cab Rover has one very nicely installed.

http://www.rdac.com/

The simpliest installs you'll find are of the DC Airco units, as they run off of 12V (or 24) and you don't have to fab anything to attach a compressor to the engine. Pricey, and relatively large for their output, but gives a lot of options.

http://www.dcairco.com/products.html

Good luck.