Can you retro fit Air Con to a TVR, specifically a Tuscan?

[Robertjp]

As the title says really!
Has anyone done it, looked into it or any knowledge of it? As with most of my threads at the moment - im looking at buying a car that hasnt got it...wondering if it will be a prob to fit in the future...

Rob

[ncs]

It can be done, but if I recall its not cheap.

Might be easier to open the window & drive a bit quicker

Nick

[chibbard]

I used to fit air con (after market/OEM) to new BMW's, Range Rover's, Discovery's plus various other models. Basically, I would suggest buying the car with it already fitted. Otherwise it will cost you more money to retrofit than buy one with it already fitted. Also, the car has to be stripped completely from dashboard to front of vehicle and doing this to a TVR which is already handbuilt "may" introduce unnecessary "issues" that may have not been there before, such as rattles/squeeks/water leaks etc. All in my opinion (as a TVR Cerb owner myself)

[lee02]

In a word yes. The factory used to retro fit for the same price as option when new, so can't be hard. Search the Tuscan forum this was cover a couple of months ago.
lee

[Robertjp]

lee02 said:

In a word yes. The factory used to retro fit for the same price as option when new, so can't be hard. Search the Tuscan forum this was cover a couple of months ago.
lee

Brill, will have a good look through - but i hate the search engine these days it either gives you nothing or too much!

[The AJP Griff]

Robertjp said:

lee02 said:

In a word yes. The factory used to retro fit for the same price as option when new, so can't be hard. Search the Tuscan forum this was cover a couple of months ago.
lee

Brill, will have a good look through - but i hate the search engine these days it either gives you nothing or too much!

Because your car was designed to have a/c fitted it shouldnt be too bad a job.If you are prepared to source a lot of the parts second hand,and also do the fitting up yourself,then you could retrofit a/c for not too much money.I had my first griff retrofitted with a/c at a cost of £3k a few years ago now.Now i am going to complete the a/c instalation on our current car,as it was part fitted and left unfinished at the factory.I have sourced nearly all the parts already and it hasnt cost much at all.I'll be doing the fitting myself as it's quite a simple system really.The wiring is already there for the a/c system,which also helps but being quite simple it isnt absolutely necesary.I'm not sure how much the system in the Tuscan differs,but in the griff you need the following:-condenser,receiver drier,trinary switch,expansion valve,evaporater,temp switch,fuel cooler(heat exchanger) compressor and associated pipework and relays etc.Any decent a/c specialist should be able to help you with the pipework and fittings,and will test the components for you before you fit them.
I managed to buy all the new parts i wanted through Peninsula TVR(01395 232241) who were really helpfull,and the s/hand stuff comes up now and again in the classifieds,or a 'wanted' ad also works well

[Robertjp]

Ok thanks for the advice, i now know its possible and i quite like getting my hands dirty so wouldnt put me off particularly now...

[StuntJezza]

Hi, I recently bought a Tuscan Mk1 without A/C. I loved the car, all except no A/c. Having asked a local specialist whether it is possible to retro-fit, and at what cost I got the reply about 2-3K. I negotiated this cost off the cost of the car, but the garage now say they would not recommend it!
So, question is - can anyone recommend or know someone who has done this successfully..?

[TravelsVeryRapid]

I had it fitted about three years ago, don't know what it involves as I had it done at Hexham. I was told it wouldn't be that efficient because it would be competing with the heat of the engine which is placed back as far as possible in the Tuscan. It is not ice cold as in my other cars but it was well worth doing and we are surprised how much we use it. Cost about £3000, would recommend it.

[KKson]

One of the guys that used to fit the AC units to Tuscans in the factory is now the landlord of one of our local pubs, the Bakers arms at Orleton, South Shropshire. Might be worth giving him a call to see how easy it is. He's very much a TVR fan and hosts regular club meets.

[so called]

I've had my latest Tuscan 7 years and turned the A/C on for the first time summer this year.
Actually, that's not totally true. We turned it on last summer but it didn't work so we had to get it repaired.

[BertieMagnus]

I had it retrofitted to my mk1 Tuscan by Str8six two years ago whist the engine was out for a rebuild.

Cost circa £2.5-3k and was a bit of a nightmare to complete apparently. Only ever used it once in anger since so probably not the smartest money I have spent on the car.

[mungral]

My S1 has an after market a/c fitted. There's probably more space and easier access under the bonnet than a Tuscan though.

[so called]

I remember taking my early Tuscan in to a dealer, asking if they can check why my A/C wasn't working.
Smiley answer was, "because it's not fitted sir".

[StuntJezza]

Richard at Hexham Horseless Carriage is about to do mine (Mk1 3.6 Tuscan)