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| | | Can rear AC be changed? #75748 January 08th 2001 6:36 pm | Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 25 newbie | OP newbie Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 25 | I have dual AC in my van, but both the front and rear run off the compressor. Is there any way of taking the rear AC unit and making it independent so it could be operated some other way than with the engine running, like using 110 volts. I've used just the fans at night before, but in Florida it can still get stuffy inside and have wondered if somehow I can get it to cool too. Be a lot better looking than the other thought of getting a roof AC mounted or the house AC box hanging out the rear window. ------------------ Mike 89 E-150 Conversion Van www.technilube.com | | | Re: Can rear AC be changed? #75749 January 08th 2001 10:49 pm | Joined: Dec 2000 Posts: 4,043 pooh-bah | pooh-bah Joined: Dec 2000 Posts: 4,043 | With enough money, anything is possible. To do this would require a second compressor and a motor to run it. Since the average automotive a/c compressor draws 5hp of your engine, you would require about the same size electric motor to run it. You would also need to mount the condenser in a area that has adequate airflow, and a fan to blow thru it. This modification will eliminate the rear air running off the van's engine. Thus, you will either need a 12v to 110v inverter to run a 110v motor while driving, or a 110 to 12v converter to run a 12v motor while parked. Whew. To sum it up, it can be done, but it will take some effort. | | | Re: Can rear AC be changed? #75750 January 09th 2001 3:05 pm | Joined: Dec 2000 Posts: 252 enthusiast | enthusiast Joined: Dec 2000 Posts: 252 | One could run the condensor fan off of the motor, also... You would also want a thermostatic switch so you don't get too cold... and this would also cut down on electricity use. you also want to make sure that the motor comes on, and attains full speed before loading it with the compressor, basically set up a 1-second delay switch (talk to Radio Shack about setting one up) and hook the delay side to the compressor clutch. | | | Re: Can rear AC be changed? #75751 January 16th 2001 9:53 pm | Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 25 newbie | OP newbie Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 25 | Hmmmm, sound like more of a pain, and probably not that much of a savings over a roof unit, or even a window one. What are the pros and cons of removing a rear window and putting in a small unit? Usually I don't like these, they look rigged, and often rusted, or hanging, with a wood panel looking like it's barely holding the thing in. But the other day I saw someone installed an AC in a newer conversion van and painted the unit. It looked almost stock and didn't draw attention away from the looks of the vehicle. Was thinking these units are much less expensive, and if mounted nicely, maybe even some sort of cover to hide brackets or mounting bolts, don't yell "look, cheap bastard trying to stay cool!" :-) ------------------ Mike 89 E-150 Conversion Van www.technilube.com | | | Re: Can rear AC be changed? #75752 January 17th 2001 3:18 pm | Joined: Dec 2000 Posts: 252 enthusiast | enthusiast Joined: Dec 2000 Posts: 252 | You could get the window unit to hang off the back, and also put your spare under it, and/or maybe propane, or even a small generator, and make yourself a shed for it (not plywood, tho, those look like crap) that covers up the whole thing (leave a vent grille for the A/C unit, tho). Nice thing would be, you could insulate it so that it isn't as noisy and wouldn't disturb those around you. | | | Re: Can rear AC be changed? #75753 January 17th 2001 7:17 pm | Joined: Dec 2000 Posts: 4,043 pooh-bah | pooh-bah Joined: Dec 2000 Posts: 4,043 | Could always use a small a/c unit as a temporary a/c when parked, if you have tip out glass in rear doors. modify the lacth on the window so you can remove the window and slide the a/c in on a bracket, like the old A&W food trays. | | | Re: Can rear AC be changed? #75754 January 17th 2001 9:31 pm | Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 25 newbie | OP newbie Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 25 | My spare tire is mounted on the driver rear door where I was thinking of putting the window unit. Maybe this is what caught my eye on the other van, now that I think of it. Besides the AC looking clean, it was above the tire, which probably gave it a more stock look, rather than a box sticking out the back. The other vans I have seen with the window unit didn't have a tire, at least not on the same side as the AC, from what I recall, making it look obvious. Some had brackets, like closet shelf supports attached from below the unit to the door, usually with a trail of rust from the bolts running down the door. ------------------ Mike 89 E-150 Conversion Van www.technilube.com | | | Re: Can rear AC be changed? #75755 January 17th 2001 10:11 pm | Joined: Dec 2000 Posts: 4,043 pooh-bah | pooh-bah Joined: Dec 2000 Posts: 4,043 | OK- I see you want a "permanent" solution. Yeah, the angle bracket thing is ugly even when new. There are real slim roof mount ones for popups that would look good on the roof, but they aren't cheap. However, they do give the option of 12v or 110 v. A van isn't any more cubic feet than an open popup, so it should be enough capacity. | | | Re: Can rear AC be changed? #75756 January 30th 2001 12:23 pm | Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 20 newbie | newbie Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 20 | What'cha doin in there, that's makin things so hot? ------------------ "Laissez Le Bon Temp Rouler' Cha!" Chevytalk Moderator GMforums Moderator Vannin Guru "Jungle"Jim 70SS396 & 70 Malibu My Car "I don't drive FAST, I just FLY low!" | | |
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