regularJJ Posted May 8, 2012 Report Share Posted May 8, 2012 I dont know much about AC. As far as I know, the best way to go would be to buy a parts truck with an AC system, convert the parts to the new chemical then have it charged, which can get pretty expensive. Am I on the right track here? What have you guys done? Quote Link to comment
Tristin Posted May 8, 2012 Report Share Posted May 8, 2012 You live in Tacoma... just roll the windows down. 2 Quote Link to comment
regularJJ Posted May 8, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 8, 2012 ha ha.. funny. I know everyone thinks it rains all the time in Seattle but it can get pretty hot up here in the summer. Quote Link to comment
metalmonkey47 Posted May 8, 2012 Report Share Posted May 8, 2012 IMO cheapest/best A/C system = 2 windows and 45 MPH. Never fails me. Quote Link to comment
Tristin Posted May 8, 2012 Report Share Posted May 8, 2012 Lol I live right up the way from you and work in Lakewood so I know the drill. It can get warm, but Ive never needed anything more than a rolled down window. Now in the house is another story. I cant take enough clothes off to get cooler it seems. Quote Link to comment
regularJJ Posted May 8, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 8, 2012 Well I got a guy from Atlanta saying 'roll your window down' so now Im feeling kind of like a pussy. Still I work outdoors and I have the money to get this done, so, any real solutions? Quote Link to comment
poor-mans-720 Posted May 8, 2012 Report Share Posted May 8, 2012 well if you are set on this. i might have alot of the parts you could use. I have the pump, and the radiator, and some pipes and wiring, and guess all the internals you will need. I believe in the faster i go, the cooler it will be.... And i built half doors, so that will help too... but i guess you could do the opposite of what i did... put it back on. Quote Link to comment
hvyd Posted May 8, 2012 Report Share Posted May 8, 2012 Just Google vintage auto air conditioning. Or antique auto air conditioning. There are lots of sites out there for a/c. Quote Link to comment
metalmonkey47 Posted May 8, 2012 Report Share Posted May 8, 2012 Well I got a guy from Atlanta saying 'roll your window down' so now Im feeling kind of like a pussy. Still I work outdoors and I have the money to get this done, so, any real solutions? Hell man, I still don't know how I do it. lol In all seriousness, theres a guy down here parting out a '74 620 with FULL A/C components if you're interested. I'm sure you could adapt it over to a 720. Quote Link to comment
ddrum Posted May 8, 2012 Report Share Posted May 8, 2012 Hell man, I still don't know how I do it. lol In all seriousness, theres a guy down here parting out a '74 620 with FULL A/C components if you're interested. I'm sure you could adapt it over to a 720. How much? Quote Link to comment
metalmonkey47 Posted May 8, 2012 Report Share Posted May 8, 2012 How much? No idea, I'll have to chat with him tomorrow and see. Quote Link to comment
regularJJ Posted May 8, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 8, 2012 Im not sure the mount or belt would fit since the 620 does not use the z22 engine. poorman I might take you up on that. Quote Link to comment
poor-mans-720 Posted May 8, 2012 Report Share Posted May 8, 2012 i run the Z22 so everything will fit.... i got it sitting all in my pile of parts... still have to take the pump off. it looks like its a hassle to do. i guess the only thing you would have to get is the pipes and belt. Could be a good start to convert over to the AC Quote Link to comment
Dguy210 Posted May 8, 2012 Report Share Posted May 8, 2012 At a minimum the drier should be replaced whenever the system is opened to the air. Likely you would also want to replace the orifice/expansion valve (or equivalent), the o-rings, and flush the system. If you convert to R134a, the hoses should be replaced with barrier hoses. If not replaced the hoses will slowly leak R134a. The 620/720's are old enough to all be R12. The "compatible" refrigerants (e.g., Freeze 12) DO NOT REPLACE R12 directly! Avoid them! There are a couple of legal hydrocarbon based replacements out there, although they are mostly just propane (which works with R12 hoses and such just fine but is not legal). R12 can still be purchased and it usually works better on the older setups, you just need to get the license online to purchase (EPA section 609) the test is about $20 to take online and is relatively easy. Replace the oil with a synthetic if possible, there are few available that are miscible with practically all refrigerants. The vacuum pump can be rented from Autozone, and maybe the gauge set also, this is free but requires a deposit. Change out the oil on the vacuum pump before using it. 2 Quote Link to comment
Rustina 510 Posted May 8, 2012 Report Share Posted May 8, 2012 These work great and can be adapted to almost any auto. I think they look cool too I'm getting one for my wagon. Their not to pricy 1 Quote Link to comment
DRIVEN Posted May 8, 2012 Report Share Posted May 8, 2012 Since I like to make stuff, I was considering something like this... http://www.instructables.com/id/Portable-12V-Air-Conditioner---Cheap-and-easy!/ There are tons of variations on this design all over the internets. You could also look for a swamp cooler like this. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-North-Aire-Car-Swamp-Cooler-/270972802246?hash=item3f173cd4c6&item=270972802246&pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr They show up on CL and ebay from time to time often in the $50-$100 range. That's cheaper than the refrigerant alone in a traditional factory system. You'll probably use it less than 5 days a year anyway. Quote Link to comment
poor-mans-720 Posted May 8, 2012 Report Share Posted May 8, 2012 hmmm... nice. I might try the ice chest one... I did something similar that ran thru tubes on a shirt i wore under my fire suit when i raced back in high school. Texas summer, 110 degrees. Asphalt, 150 degrees... in a fire suit, inside a Allison Legacy, 398 degrees... It just pumped cold water thru an ice chest and then thru the shirt. Quote Link to comment
DRIVEN Posted May 8, 2012 Report Share Posted May 8, 2012 There's a few variations in the DIY AC boxes. I think the style that uses a heater core or transmission cooler with a small marine bilge pump and a small computer fan would work pretty well. Pretty low amp draw should be safe to plug into the cigarette lighter. If you shop on the cheap I would expect you could build one for under $50. It's kinda cool to see how elaborate some guys get with those things. People can come up with some really overcomplicated "solutions". Quote Link to comment
regularJJ Posted May 9, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 9, 2012 Wow I never heard of either of those, I might try the swamp cooler. Rustina.. WTH is that lol. Also.. not so sure it looks cool. And thanks for the very informative reply Dguy Quote Link to comment
DRIVEN Posted May 9, 2012 Report Share Posted May 9, 2012 It's also a swam cooler. And yes, it does look cool. You see them occasionally at cruis-ins. Usually on 40's and 50's cars...and VWs. Quote Link to comment
regularJJ Posted May 9, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 9, 2012 Ah nifty. It looks cool on that bug, but I cant imagine it looking good on any of my Datsuns lol Quote Link to comment
ggzilla Posted May 9, 2012 Report Share Posted May 9, 2012 Swamp cooler works in dry climates, right? Unlike Tacoma ... Best way to do it is to buy a 720 that has A/C, then well the one you already have. Quote Link to comment
metalmonkey47 Posted May 9, 2012 Report Share Posted May 9, 2012 These work great and can be adapted to almost any auto. I think they look cool too I'm getting one for my wagon. Their not to pricy Where the hell do you get these and what are they called?? Quote Link to comment
regularJJ Posted May 9, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 9, 2012 Thought it got less humid in the summer but looking online I see it still averages like 50% in the afternoon most the time. Damn. Quote Link to comment
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