A/C retrofit cost?

[The Mad Hatter]

Hello to all.  I've got an 85 Diesel golf, and it has A/C (at least it has all the components), but the system was disconnected i assume by the previous owner cause it didn't work.  My question is, how much would it run to get the system converted to r134a with new components.  I assume i need a new compressor and receiver-drier.  I've had one old car (78 Nova) converted to R134a YEARS ago, and the whole shebang cost me $1000.  Does that still sound right?  Thanks for any help!

[Kanzan]

Hatter,

I bought a new compressor  already converted to 134, for about $165.00 and a new receiver dryer for about $15.00. As yet, I haven't connected the ac, as I need new hoses. Don't think it should cost anywhere near $1000.00 to hook it up. But I am a dedicated DIYer, so it may cost lots more if you  have it all done.  Kanzan

[lord_verminaard]

I'd like to know where you got that compressor. 

I was in the Summit Racing Retail store in Akron last weekend, on one of the numerous demo engines they have set up in there, was an AC compressor, polished, that looked exactly like the A2 "cylinder" Compressor.  That's good to know that the universal ones they sell for hot-rods can be made to work on a A2 car at least.  My Corrado has the same compressor as well.  I got a bit scared when I looked up a replacement unit for the Wife's car, nearly $400.00 at Advance Auto!!!

Brendan

[theman53]

let me know if you find the AC lines. That is all I need to finish my ac. I did the evap when I did the heater core, so basically everything but the pump and the condeser will be new as soon as I find some lines. All of the old ones are rusted or dry rotted junk. Autohaus has some nice stuff in their ac selection btw.

[The Mad Hatter]

Is a compressor and reciever-drier all thats needed for a retrofit?  I wouldn't need a new evaporator?  I think i'd need an r134a expansion valve.  I don't mind DIY, but i have no desire to pull the dash apart to get at that evaporator! 

[theman53]

no you wouldn't need a new evap. I was just flapping my gums about what I did. Reciever, dryer, and adapters and such should be it. arizona autohaus has some of the stuff for the ac for these cars. I still can't find new lines and don't have the money to do it now anyway.

[Turbinepowered]

You probably want to replace the evaporator valve when you retrofit, as you'll need to get at that o-ring anyway.

Compressor oil, reciever/dryer, fill valve adapters and new o-rings throughout.

[jtanguay]

why not just go with hydrocarbon refrigerant? no retrofit necessary  however a new receiver drier is recommended.  new r134a style o-rings can't hurt either.

the mk3 style compressor with serp pulley looks to be the same as the mk2 style with vbelts. you could take a mk3 compressor, and remove the hose side and clean out the old mk2 side and hook that on, so that you can use the mk2 hoses.  as for the pulley conversion, i'm quite certain that it would swap over, but you might need some special tools to remove the a/c clutch.  i did buy a prothe compressor, and hope that she works when the time comes.  $179 isn't too bad for a new one.

[lord_verminaard]

no you wouldn't need a new evap. I was just flapping my gums about what I did. Reciever, dryer, and adapters and such should be it. arizona autohaus has some of the stuff for the ac for these cars. I still can't find new lines and don't have the money to do it now anyway.

There is a hydraulic shop up here in the Vern town that can build new AC lines, I asked them about it the other day when I was getting AN fittings.  No idea on price, but gotta be cheaper than what Advance wants for the discharge line, $300.     I figure as long as you have the basic shape of the line (bring in what's left of the old one) they can build you one.

Brendan

[lord_verminaard]

the mk3 style compressor with serp pulley looks to be the same as the mk2 style with vbelts. you could take a mk3 compressor, and remove the hose side and clean out the old mk2 side and hook that on, so that you can use the mk2 hoses.  as for the pulley conversion, i'm quite certain that it would swap over, but you might need some special tools to remove the a/c clutch.  i did buy a prothe compressor, and hope that she works when the time comes.  $179 isn't too bad for a new one.

That is a good price.  Here's one of the types at Summit, besides the hose connections being on the side instead of the back, I don't see why it wouldn't work:
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/HRA-13-4509/

There is also a serp version that is slightly more expensive.  The mounting ears are the same though.

Brendan

[Quantum TD]

i did buy a prothe compressor, and hope that she works when the time comes.  $179 isn't too bad for a new one.

Sadly, most new compressors are made in China, like everything Prothe sells. So, why not cut out the middle man?

I have heard tales however, that some "Made in China" compressor actually just have that label on the box, but the compressors are made in Japan.

What an amazing evolution has occurred when "Made in Japan" is actually better than "Made in China"/ Jesus, I even prefer Taiwan over China, even though it's probably the same damn $hit.

[jtanguay]

i did buy a prothe compressor, and hope that she works when the time comes.  $179 isn't too bad for a new one.

Sadly, most new compressors are made in China, like everything Prothe sells. So, why not cut out the middle man?

I have heard tales however, that some "Made in China" compressor actually just have that label on the box, but the compressors are made in Japan.

What an amazing evolution has occurred when "Made in Japan" is actually better than "Made in China"/ Jesus, I even prefer Taiwan over China, even though it's probably the same damn $hit.

well i'll be using hydrocarbon refrigerant - less pressure and stress on the compressor so it should last i'd love to cut out the middle man, but need to find suppliers