gr1275

The good news is my wife has decided she wants a 356. The bad news is she wants the comfort of AC. We had an S90 many years ago and she remembers the pain of taking it out on hot summer days. Since these cars didn't come this way, what is the feasibility/practicality of installing a system? I know the aftermarket offers systems for almost any application so I suspect I can kit-bash something together.

Thanks
Gary

pdxjim

Gary, I remember when my Dad bought his first 356, the dealer had installed a small, rubber bladed fan down by the fuel/reserve switch. He said his wife's feet got hot in the summer so he had a block of ice in a pan and the fan that was the AC! GL with your investigation.

RJT

We had a friend Fred Starr (who has since passed away) who had a slam dunk A/C system installed in his Roadster. I'll see if I can find a picture of it. He had the work done in Las Vegas so I know it can be done.

I wonder who bought the car???

gr1275

Well, it looks like we may be able to satisfy both her requirments. I like your dad's solution... sounds like something I would come up with. I suspect she won't bit though!!

Thanks for the help...

Gary

race911

I had a customer when I had my Phoenix shop with an SC coupe that had an A/C system that was either dealer installed when new, or shortly after. I'm not sure if the car was a 12 volt conversion though.

gr1275

Good point on the 12V. I suspect that would need to be done. Or, perhaps there are 6V clutches available. I suspect the standard 6V generator would be taxed to provide the current for the clutch in addition to fans, lights etc.

Gary

cscrogham

The late SC's could be ordered with AC. I forget the name of the company that supplied the system now but will look at my old photos. The compressor mounted in the engine bay with the clutch side facing the engine to run off of a double row crank pully. Only for 12V cars which was also an option on the SC's.

It was terrible. Personally I wouldn't waste my time trying to install it aftermarket, it will be marginal on the best day which will never be enough to suit someone accustomed to modern AC.

You might look into some track use "cool suit" products that use a cool box and blower setup, can probably mount it in the trunk and make it work OK without damaging the car. Still a 12V issue but can convert the blower easier than the car...

gr1275

Thanks for the info... and suggestion! I'm getting closer to talking her out of the AC all together. She is starting to realize it doesn't make a lot of sense on these cars. I've put them on our street rods, so she thought it was as simple as that. But she is getting more educated on the 356 and is willing to go without it.

Gary

ked

I'd talk w/ these guys...
www.griffiths.com/ or www.rennaire.com/
I think good AC could be accomplished in a 12V SC (haven't direct experience, but since it's hit the 90s+ since early June, I've been thinking about it for my old age), but I'd want a 120hp motor (tuned for lotsa low end torque & w/ spin-on/full-flow oil filter & expanded sump) & I'd place the condenser & fan up front.

UberXY

Talk to Grif, as per ked's suggestion. He hangs out over on the 911 part of this board. His products are superb and he is a very helpful guy. I did a triple condensor system with him on a '76 930 and it made my knees turn blue.

There was an official Porsche-endorsed aftermarket AC system that was installed by dealers (but not at the factory) in the mid '60s. If you are looking for semi-authenticity, good choice. If you are looking for cold air, maybe not what you want.

bleucamaro

If this is still an issue, a good argument against it is to insulate the firewall really well, and remind her that there is no hot exhaust underneath the car, all the heat is behind you. If she gets dead set on it, I did see a fellow with a cab who had AC installed. For the most part, figure on running the plumbing like you would the oil lines for a carrera oil cooler, and the condenser up front where the oil cooler would go. I think this guy had hidden the rest under the passenger side floorboard or in the trunk. The vents were small and discrete, and the controls were built into the radio panel if I remember correctly.

I've been in ours on a 90° day, and it wasn't bad as long as the sun wasn't on you.

89826

Don't bother with a coupe with ac, just get an open car: Speedster, Convertible D, Roadster, or cabriolet. When it gets hot, put the top down.

Steve Jensen

When my Dad took delivery of my '65 C coupe in July '65 the dealer installed an Artic Kar unit. Car is still 6v. Don't ever remember Dad using it, hoses are still run thru the passenger side, have the compressor somewhere in my garage.

And yes, on a coupe just use the forward wing windows to direct air in better...

Arena996

Pics of my old Pre a coupe and my boss's 65 SC. Being in south Louisiana you gotta have an open car or A/C. My 914 I am building is getting A/C too. Street Rod units work just fine in these cars.

pdxjim

I would think that might rob a little horsepower!