Air Con retrofit

[rusty_wingnut]

Hi all, currently weghing up air con options for the 300tdi 110. Kids are in need of cool air on longer trips, especially as we always seem to end up stuck in traffic somewhere! As I see it I have two potential routes, and wondered if anyone had experience of treading either;

 

1) Use the standard TD5 setup, including the under dash with a 300tdi compressor. This is possibly the most complex, but will end up with the best looking install, and hopefully not detract from the vehicle too much. Only issue is the cost of the under dash components 😮

2) Use the standard 300tdi compresosr, but link up with an aftermarket option, such as the Britpart cubby box https://maltings4x4store.co.uk/products/britpart-rear-air-con-kit-for-lhd-defender-300tdi-and-td5-station-wagon-da6505.html

Does anyone have real world experience of option 1?

[Mudmonkey]

I think I'd go for the Ministry of Defender kit if I was in your situation, it means you keep your knee room under the dash and the added benefit of an upgraded heater to keep the kids warm in the winter as well!

https://ministryofdefender.co.uk/buy-puma-dashboard.html#!/Defender-Air-Con-Heat-Dual-Core/p/447417842/category=0

[Paul C]

I bought a 300tdi kit several years ago it is from Coolair Logan I believe it is the same as the Britpart kit. I have fitted the condensor and part of the pipework and will be fitting the evaporator and ducting once I get the dash completed from my rebuild. I am using a Denso compressor as I am using a discovery front end on my v8, had to change the fittings for the compressor.  I have the 300tdi Sanden compressor and mounting bracket and drive pulleys in a box un needed.

[rusty_wingnut]

I should mention I am on a bit of a budget and can't justify spending thousands on this, so that blows out the M of D kit - £1700 just for the heater box with an AC evaporator. 

Coolair logan I spoke with on the phone, who still use the under dash as per TD5. I can lay my hands on a TD5 evap for a better price, but not sure how good these things are, I've read a lot of negativity on cold knees but nothing else. This unit takes air from the passenger footwell to recycle, which can clog the unit with debrix off the passengers boots.

 

Maybe I need to get another heater box and trying to squeeze an evaporator in there, and then add a second unit to the rear.

[Hazza]

I've started pondering over doing an aircon retrofit to my 110.

I think if I do it I'll go down the route of something like this: AliExpress universal evaporator. Potentially mounted under the rear seats. It'll also work as a heater, so could help to boost the heat output from the standard cooling system.

 

 

 

 

[Eightpot]

I've used the Td5 and Tdi standard aircon units, they work very well and get the inside very chilly. People like to jest that they only keep your knees cold but thats only if you were to point the vents at your knees... 

In the meantime, worth considering roof insulation, window film or blinds and one or two marine fans if you haven’t already, good shade and air movement makes a decent difference, not to mention blocking the heat coming up through the floor! 

 

[rusty_wingnut]

@Eightpot how does the td5 under dash perform in a 110?

[Eightpot]

I had a 200tdi 110 with A/C in South Africa, which is virtually the same system - no problems in it cooling the car down, even with all the usual leaks out of door and panel gaps, leaky window seals etc. The fan unit is pretty pokey, similar to a range rover fan unit, so pumps the air out well.