1981 spider with a/c

davidmtz001 · Post by **davidmtz001** » Sun Jul 09, 2006 3:10 pm

hello, my 1981 spider 2000 has an a/c it is working, I would like to know if there were any options to make the spider a/c as an aftermarket part, because I would like to leave it all stock, I am considering both leaving it and taking it out for the same reason, I live in southern texas so we get extremely hot days with about 102 degrees, and having the a/c on would be a great plus for those hot days, but then again, I would like to know, on how bad it would over heat due to using the air conditioning. it used to overheat but there was a problem with my thermostat which I already replaced, car is not runing now since it was left without starting it for about 2 years but am replacing the fuel pump. please help me out on deciding what to do.
thank you. If not I would consider selling my a/c unit as well as my front and rear bumpers,( I am want to change them for the early rubberless bumpers, and would also consider trading for some of the parts I currently need.
thank you. email me if interested
davidmtz001@hotmail.com

hughes6552 · Post by **hughes6552** » Mon Jul 10, 2006 11:14 am

I have a 81 automatic that had what appeared to be factory air. Didn't work so i removed parts of it.

vandor · Post by **vandor** » Mon Jul 10, 2006 6:51 pm

Hello,

The AC was never installed at the factory, it was a dealer added option.
Wether to leave it or remove it is a personal choice. I live in Fort Worth and am working on adding AC to my Spider. If your radiator and cooling system is in good condition it should not overheat.
bye,

Csaba
'71 124 Spider with lots of mods
personal: http://www.geocities.com/f124ss/
work: http://www.vickauto.com

HOLLYWOODSPIDER · Post by **HOLLYWOODSPIDER** » Tue Aug 01, 2006 8:46 pm

If you're still selling your a/c, I'm interested.

Warren · Post by **Warren** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 1:51 pm

I retrofited my 1979 Spider with A/C last year with the kit sold by Factory Air in San Antonio, TX who used to make them as the dealer installed item. The new units now use R-134a and it has a bigger condenser which barely fit under the front grill (I had to trim off some sheet metal on the side as I recall). Unit works perfectly and the car cooling does not run any hotter even with the outside temp near 98 F. One of the supplied hoses to the condenser and dryer would not fit so I had to have one made locally. One of the tubing connectors supplied was the wrong size so I had to call them and have it shipped as could not find one locally. I have pictures of the installation if anybody needs them. The price went up after I bought mine.