Air Conditioning - 18rg Ra23

[viccelicara23]

Hi ive done a search and couldn't find anything. I want to put airconditioning into my ra23.
I have a full worshop to fab brackets but my main thing is to find what evaporator will fit in the heater box. I was thinking maybe the full aircon system out of a late 90's early 2000s corolla/celica/lancer.

Has anybody found what evaporator fits in the box.

Cheers

[ddeane]

Why not use a ra23 air con system?

[viccelicara23]

well firstly you have to find the system, then thier is the problem of the gas no longer being sold and all assosiated issues of converting the system when i was thinking i way be able to just put in a newer system to start with and it will probably be cheaper.

[airfireman1]

It would be easier to grab an aircon out of a wreck, RA 28 will fit as well and converting it to the new gas is easy and it will be factory look.
a newer system will only have a rotary type compressor but all the rest is the same . If you can fab up a bracket for a rotory comp to fit your engine then you are half way there. interior wise nothing would beat the factory unit
cheers

[frostyadonis]

for educationary purposes, this is a basic A/C layout.

a reputable radiator/aircon place can install an after-market setup for you
or you can rip an old system out and use that (if its ok)
the main problem with an old system is leaks and internal corrosion
replacing the compressor will be a must because the R12 gas is no longer available/used

[Z2TT]

If you want a gas that is compatible with R12 Systems, you can use Hychill.

Also most R12 Compressors work fine with R134a. When retrofitting you have to use a reciever/drier that is compatible with R134a,
and all new ones are, about $20 from Ashdown Ingram.

[frostyadonis]

under dash unit
this is an easier way to retrofit A/C to the old school cars
no need for tubing and searching for original indash unit/controlls cabling and the like.
all that said, would probably look ghey in more modern cars
the evaporator and fan is encased in this unit...

[river]

Hi,

The old air con systems run fine with the new gas.

The air con on Trini (1977 RA28) and the unit in The 88 (RA25) both work perfect with the new gas.

seeyuzz
river

[matty12]

It will be far cheaper for yourself to source an original system and to install it,the thing will fit straight up with no messing about.Then get someone to pressure test and charge it.If you buy second hand make sure the parts hav been capped so no dust etc has got in it and check for oil over any parts(sure sign of a leak).

The knee freeze pictured above is another soluiton but look sh1thouse and then require someone to fit and make lines.

[timbosaurus]

At least use the standard evaporator (the thing under the dash). They don't tend to junk out like the condensor, compressor and piping, and will save a lot of fitment issues with the unit, the ducting, the controls, and the gas piping.

Once it's fitted, you could use standard pipes (if you can get them at the same time as the evap), but it could be worth searching for a suitable condensor replacement though, as I'm not sure if you can get new ones, and most 30y/o ones are pretty ratshot by now. rec/dryer's should always be replaced in a new system, so that's a given. I always thought that older compressors should be rebuilt with seals to suit the new gas, but Rivers experience seems to show that doesn't have to be done.

Alternatively any decent shop should be able to do the piping and a new custom condensor to suit the car.

Best to build a system to totally suit R134A. I'm only guessing, but I'd expect the R12 replacements to either be more expensive or not as effective, otherwise they would be the mainstream gases.

[matty12]

you could use any universal serpentine style condensor if a factory one isnt available. These are cheap as chip and come in quite a few different sizes, these would be more than adequate for the job.

[roadkill]

Hi,

i remember someone on here just took their interior evaporator out of their car as they couldn't be stuffed trying to get it all to work. Can't remember who it was but maybe search the classic celica dedicated thread.... It goes in a nice box between the actual fan and air vent controls. Very neat

bEn

[Burgzz]

Hi,
Realise this was a while ago, But did you end up getting it fitted?
Did you convert to a rotary pump etc etc?

Curious as i am fitting A.C to my 77 ra23 currently and not sure what compressor, reciever/drier, and TX valve i should use... if there is lots of diff options that is...

cheers
Ed

[matty12]

Comp, you can use anything really, if you can't get the original one buy a sanden ear mount and make a braket to suit.

TX , will be the one listed for you vehicle if using the oe evap.

R/d once again you can use a universal one but will depend on you liquid line size and also whether u need ports in it for pressure switch or not.

Speaking to you local friendly a/c place should help u out.

[viccelicara23]

I have all the stuff just havn't got around to fitting it yet so best take the advice of matty12