I just Intro'ed myself, but I'm a VW veteran from many years ago, haven't owned one in about 15 years. So, I'm assuming nothing and trying to get reacquainted because I might just buy another bug. Got the hankerin'.
What is the status of air conditioning on the air cooled bug? I saw a $1500 kit that promised 12 hour installation +/- with basic tools and a light load on the engine. Is this advisable? Any recommendations on vendors?
Also, the bug I want to build would be basically dropped in the front, mildly custom inside and out and like a Baja chopper treatment on the rear with the engine exposed. So... has anyone run their engines completely exposed, without the cooling fan, ducts and tins? I know you wouldn't want to let it idle for long, but it seems like a big motorcycle engine stays cool by radiating the heat away, could the VW engine?
Thanks, folks. Glad to be here.
Kent
A/C on a bug? Exposed engine with no tins?
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kent_in_kc
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Russell 66
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- Location: Jacksonville, Florida
I was wondering about the possibility of adding A/C when I convert to 12 volt as well. I'd be very interested in hearing from anyone who has done it.
I'm not sold on the idea yet, as I love the wind blowing through my hair. It gives me an excuse for looking . . . casual.
Realistically, I live in Florida, have only had the car for a week and its October. Come August, I may be seriously considering the idea.
We'll see.
I'm not sold on the idea yet, as I love the wind blowing through my hair. It gives me an excuse for looking . . . casual.
Realistically, I live in Florida, have only had the car for a week and its October. Come August, I may be seriously considering the idea.
We'll see.
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fatalifeaten
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Sounds kinda volksrod-ish.
The answer is yes, there are A/C kits available. I'm pretty sure Vintage Air has a setup that will work on a VW, though they don't have a specific kit. 1100-1500 is in teh right ball park from teh little research I've done. HP loss is 2-4HP, which may or may not be a lot depending on your engine.
As for running with the back end open, baja guys do it all teh time. Make sure you have the engine full flowed and add a sump for more capacity with a remote cooler and thermostatically controlled fan and you should probably be good.
The answer is yes, there are A/C kits available. I'm pretty sure Vintage Air has a setup that will work on a VW, though they don't have a specific kit. 1100-1500 is in teh right ball park from teh little research I've done. HP loss is 2-4HP, which may or may not be a lot depending on your engine.
As for running with the back end open, baja guys do it all teh time. Make sure you have the engine full flowed and add a sump for more capacity with a remote cooler and thermostatically controlled fan and you should probably be good.
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Blue Baron
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- Location: Tampa, Florida