Retro fit A/C

[lee02]

Hi All
I’m considering buying another Tuscan, many didn’t have A/C fitted from new. Are the parts still available to retrofit? Back in the day Blackpool fitted it in my old Tuscan for 2k. I don’t t know how many of the parts where TVR or the parts bin of other manufacturers?
I know it’s not he best A/C in the world but I use the my cars in Spain sometimes the sun is too hot for the dogs who go everywhere with me.

Has anyone done this recently? If yes how bad was the journey and what is the likely cost?

Thanks in advance Lee

[hxc_]

Following as also very interested. My understanding from briefly looking into it about a year ago was that most places won't do it as it's a pain in the ass to get all the parts and the result isn't always that great. There's a couple of companies (alpineair) who do bespoke aircon installs which have been mentioned.

Would like to be wrong, though - as this is something I'd like to do eventually.

[lee02]

In my mind a bespoke solution would be too expensive and you may end up with equipment intruding into the cockpit. I would rather maintain the original look of the factory fitted system. Maybe a highbred system could be the answer?

I guess the issue will be parts. Most of the wiring loom is in place so that should not be an issue. The compressor and drier should be universal. I’m guessing the condensers are available as they get damaged and need replacing. Not looked at the cooling matrix.

I’ve just refurbished my griff, the biggest issue I had was sourcing parts. Most of the suppliers are struggling due to very low numbers of part required by all of us. The tooling to reproduce parts is often more expensive than any profit they would make from sales.

What I found out is do enough research and most of the parts are available. Hence the question has anyone done this recently.

[CerbWill]

Well you can buy the major parts of the original TVR solution, the evaporator, tcv, condenser, pulley + belt and drier from Racing Green. Compressors are on eBay and you'llneed a thermostate from somewhre. Racetech do them for the Cerbera and I'msure the Tuscan is the same. I'd think that if the hoses can't be bought new then any number of air con specialists would be able to make bespoke hoses that will work. Beyond that you need to wire in the air con circuit which as long as the input/output from the heater controller exist (ie not separate control boxes for ac and non ac cars) won't be too hard.

[Sagi Badger]

Got the T shirt, not as hard as I thought it would be. RG for the parts, evap/rad/condensor/hoses and found SH pump. Did it all apart from gas. Found a local doode who used to retro fit to limos etc to vac test/flush and fill with oil/gas etc. Need someone with a brain for this.

Did struggle with rad brackets, but got there in the end

Tips.... photo up every bit of every car you can find, work clean, use the green O rings and make sure pipes/connectors are in line. It doesn't leak and blows out colder than a polar bear breathing down your neck. Dash pod programme was a bit beyond me but someone techy will remind/advise us. The wiring for the trinary switch will be in as is the pump clutch wire.

J

[lee02]

Sagi Badger said:

Got the T shirt, not as hard as I thought it would be. RG for the parts, evap/rad/condensor/hoses and found SH pump. Did it all apart from gas. Found a local doode who used to retro fit to limos etc to vac test/flush and fill with oil/gas etc. Need someone with a brain for this.

Did struggle with rad brackets, but got there in the end

Tips.... photo up every bit of every car you can find, work clean, use the green O rings and make sure pipes/connectors are in line. It doesn't leak and blows out colder than a polar bear breathing down your neck. Dash pod programme was a bit beyond me but someone techy will remind/advise us. The wiring for the trinary switch will be in as is the pump clutch wire.

J

Thanks for the info
If you you don’t mind me asking what was the price range for the kit?

[hxc_]

If you decide to go ahead with this at any point and it might involve custom made parts etc - please do get in touch, would probably be willing to get it done at the same time as you if it helps out with any costs. Happy to travel with the car.

[S6PNJ]

lee02 said:

The compressor and drier should be universal. I’m guessing the condensers are available as they get damaged and need replacing. Not looked at the cooling matrix.

I’ve just refurbished my griff, the biggest issue I had was sourcing parts.

What I found out is do enough research and most of the parts are available. Hence the question has anyone done this recently.

Hi Lee,
Having just refreshed some of the components in my Tuscan, I'd say the costs and availability shouldn't be too bad. Local to me is one of the bulk parts supplier for most Motor Factors who deal with air con - plus they have a 'garage' outlet as well who's just done my re-gas. I bought (from https://www.ac-automotive.co.uk/ ):
Condenser (£105) +VAT
Receiver Drier (£22) +VAT (universal)
I'd guess the pump will be a universal one - not sure about the evaporator though.... pipework, is just that - and fairly easily available from PartsForTVRS.

Give the parts supplier a call (http://www.autoairglos.net/) - they are happy to talk technical stuff and then point you to a reseller - you can't deal direct (unless you are a reseller of course!)

PS I've just 'rediscovered' (from looking through some old paperwork of mine) that you were the first owner of 'my' Tuscan (Jan 02 registered) - I'm still only the 3rd owner!!