Rear Air

[shmoov69]

Ok, after taking a trip to the middle of Kansas last weekend, I realized that rear air would be better than ducting the front to the back. What all would be involved in doing that with my existing VA kit? I know that they sell a rear unit, but I'm not too fond of the looks. I have an old (like 60's old) under dash unit that I think may look pretty cool hanging from the top back of the wagon. If I could make it work with what I have and also if I could make some sort of mount that doesn't look goofy, but vintage.
Thoughts?
Thanks!
Jimmy

[MonzaRacer]

Actually is the system converted to R134A? If so try looking at a rear air unit from a later model Chrysler Grand Caravan, its an Expansion Valve system and as long as you have enough condenser area and a decent size compressor it should probably work fine.
The old school hanging setups were not the greatest in performance.
If your system is R12 or running a blend my recommendation would be to convert and do some research. The unit from the Grand Caravan is self contained and works pretty good but dont forget to have a good drain, it works VERY well in humid climates.
any questions give me a shout, I have been cross breeding systems with great success for a while now.

[shmoov69]

Thanks Lee. I got out the old unit and looked at it last night, and it is too bulky. So, I might look at a JY for a Caravan unit. How big is it (physically)? The unit I have now is a Vintage Air I bought about 3 years ago, so I'm assuming it is 134. The condenser is just the generic size, but I don't think that there is enough room in the front of the radiatior for more, what will that hurt?
Thanks

[prostreet69camaro]

I have a friend that has a 36 school bus. He installed one out of a transit bus and it will freeze you out.

[shmoov69]

I think I'd like to keep the back avaliable to put stuff, and see out the window! Lol! That unit would have to be huge!

[MonzaRacer]

The system sits behind the right rear wheel well and is probably, without ducting, which can be modded or rebuilt, maybe 8 to 10 in wide, maybe foot tall and say 6 to 8 in thick but it has a fan integrated, so even if its bigger it is self contained.
To me it could be fitted in a trunk say near a wheel well, and if you need piping just scavenge parts from mini vans, its usually aluminum and most bends fairly easy and you can probably get an arm load for $50 or less, and be cheaper and easier to run than hoses,
A good propane or mapp gas torch and silver solder can allow you to build piping by sliding one inside another or using a piece that slips into both pieces. tig also works too.
I am going to try to get some UHP helium and try DCEN welding of small aluminum projects.
And I have some of the durafix rods too.
Mid 2000s Caravans have these and its a simple setup, I am thinking of using one in my Caprice, if I remove the front heat/ac.
Not sure, heck it might even work under a reg. dash.
The idea struck me while replacing the evaporator on one.
Its a simple setup so inclusion should be easy. and simply look on van where it taps off of lines. Remember R134A has small quick connect for low side, usually near compressor by rad, and hugh side on drier near right front strut tower.
I have a supplier of ac parts and industrial (re like for 'tater chip" grumman truck,and bus ac units) but honestly I used to get other stuff from them, and they sell many different size condensers in a universal fashion.
I also got parts to fix Fedex econoline/utility van cross breeds (they assed up the connections between Ford and the aftermarket stuff, I cant remember the brand of truck at this time).
again if you use this these things will literally rain water out of drain, they kick but, if you see later grand caravan with rear air on and doors open it will look like its pouring water through floor right above tail pipe.

[shmoov69]

Thanks Lee
I'll prolly get with you when I find some of those in a junk yard and get to it!