Volkswagen: 1979 ASI Camper - A/C, vw buses, newer cars

Question
Hey Ron,

I have had a few VW buses over the years and recently picked up a 1979 ASI camper from a little old man, 90k original and spotless.

Anyhow, we bought it to us as a camper and have become too comfortable in our newer cars with A/C. I remeber, and have seen, a few different types of A/C units for these vans. I have also read some not-so-good postings about installation of the pump.

Question: Is it worth finding and installing a unit, or should i just pick up one of those 12v evaporative coolers for?

Thanks for your insight.

Vince

Answer
Vince,  You are in luck!  I just went through this same exercise.  If you have such a nice camper as a 79 ASI,  I'd suggest using the following :

Find an "Underdash Evaporator (A/C)" on Thesamba.com or on E-bay.  Make sure the fan works, and there are no visible holes in the evaporator.   Now you have the original blower system.   (They made 2 A/C's for buses, however, the other one was above the head, which you can't use in a camper...so don't buy one of them!)

After that is said and done you can buy the remainder of the A/C components from a reputable dealer in Florida.  It uses the new 'friendly freon', and has a high-efficiency compressor in order to reduce engine drag.  If you would like his information, feel free to e-mail me at:
[email protected] and I'll send his info.

With that type of set-up,  you can probably expect the same type of cooling as a 'modern car'.  The air will be very cool, in the whole cabin.  (the compressor has 7 pistons, as compared to the stock ones with one)


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I can only comment on the VW Bug A/C (stock VW--DPD Unit installed at dealership).  The components are fairly similar.  I find that it can handle days around 79-83 degrees.  After that, it gets a bit uncomfortable in the cabin and I end up opening the windows.  

I suspect that you will get a cool breeze from it,  and will really not cool down an entire Westy cabin that well.  It does drag the engine a bit more.  That would be my best guess, as I do keep my VW bug A/C well maintained.  (The original compressor passes all pressure tests, so it seems to be working.)

The VW installed condensor is also about 1/2 the size as the new one.


My best guess:  

New system w/underdash unit purchased yourself (included):  $1,200 for superior cooling.

Used System: Must buy: new hose (a must): 250.00  receiver/dryer unit 100.00.  Price of used system less compressor: 150 evap,  150 condensor,  250 for usable/near NOS compressor, plus you have to bring it to a garage to have the old fashioned freon put in.

$900-1000 for the original 'marginal' cooling system.

I hope this helps, let me know how you make out.  If you chose the last option, I do have diagrams on how it goes together.

Ron
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