Air Conditioning

[mogul_x]

The thread on using a Stratos as a daily driver got me to thinking about which of the car's characteristics would impede said use. Apart from the lack of rearward visibility, the only other thing I thought of was the lack of air circulation in the cockpit.

While I didn't find the cars particularly warm in the UK, that might not hold true here in the 'States. Summer temperatures in my area are normally in the range of 30 Centigrade. Neither my MR2 nor my '73 Chevy Nova have working A/C, and are livable if not exactly comfortable. These cars at least have large windows that roll down completely to allow for some cooling air to get into the car.

Since the Stratos does not share this feature, I thought I'd ask - Has anybody air conditioned a Hawk? If so, I'd like to know how the system was set up.

I know that Chris Savage is installing A/C in his Corse. I may try to duplicate his system, but since the Hawk and Corse are so different under the scuttle, I may not be able to reproduce his. I've looked into systems from Vintage Air, but their smallest unit doesn't even come close to fitting under the dash. Takes up the entire passenger footwell.

Another option I considered was modifying the unit from an A/C equipped Beta, or possibly an early MR2. If anyone has any suggestions, I would, as usual, appreciate hearing them.

Thanks,

[stewart]

Scott,

There have been a few cars that I have heard have had air conditioning. One person you could talk to is Chris Smith in the club.

I am in the process of fitting air myself, and have the expert around in the next couple of days to finalise laying of pipework etc, so can post some photos in the near future (couple of weeks if that's OK).

There is no way in Brisbane Aus. I would be able to use my car in summer without air. One of the problems is where to locate the condensor, which needs to be reasonable size. I have managed to put it in front of the radiator, but we would like it to have been bigger.

I'll get back to you with more details soon.

cheers

[Dave Watling]

Scott,

Have you looked at the A/C unit from Car Builder Solutions? Not sure if it will fit as I don't know Stratos's (yet) but looks quite compact.

www.nfauto.co.uk (http://www.nfauto.co.uk)

[mogul_x]

Stewart,

A couple of weeks is fine for the photos. Heck, a couple of months wouldn't be a problem - it's not as if my car will be finished anytime soon. I look forward to seeing what your design looks like.

I'll also try getting in touch with Chris Smith. Thanks for the suggestions!

Dave,

Checked out the NF Auto Site, but didn't see any Tech info on their A/C system. I'll try looking for info on Car Builder Solutions. Thanks!

[Steve_R]

Have you looked into the entire HVAC system from a late model X 1/9? That's what I was thinking of using. It's not too big and already has the nearly correct lengths of plumbing. I figured that A/C in a Stratos is a must here in Southern California.

-Steve

[Chris Jarvis]

I can't offer much in the way of advice on fitting air con to a Stratos rep., but I can say that after frying alive on one or two occasion (and that's in a British summer...) it would be well worth the time and effort. Probably the best mod. anyone could do.

[Matt No VAT]

I had air-con in my Hawk but it was not fitted by me and this was done when it had a Beta VX 2 ltr - so it is definately possible, during the V6 conversion I decided to remove it for a number of reasons,

1. Lack of space and complexity of install.

2. Car is my 3rd car so its not for everyday use, so i'll live with the heat.

3. I am building what i term a raw car - "no frills" just style & power!

I now have the complete air-con system in boxes in my garage - awaiting a sensible offer.