Alfa AC Upgrade

Hey All, Has anyone heard of or accomplished an a/c upgrade for an Alfa Romeo? I'm cruising the ebay and online ads and there seems to be quite a few nice drivers out there for good prices but I really would like some a/c if I'm going to use this car as my driver at the beach in the summer.

Thanks for your thoughts.

Tim

In reply to NCtim:

Which Alfa model Tim?

In reply to AlfaKen: Hey Ken,

I'm looking at Spiders.

In reply to NCtim:

"I'm looking at Spiders." Wasn't the solution just to put the top down. :-)

I know TR8 DHC's came with A/C but for some reason mine didn't.

In reply to TR8owner:

Haha! Yeah, that worked when I was young. When it's 95 degrees at the beach you want a little cold air blowing on you. Kind of like how we run the heater when the top is down on cold days, you know?

In reply to NCtim:

"Kind of like how we run the heater when the top is down on cold days, you know? "

LOL!! Tell me all about it! :-)

I'm up in the Great White North. As long as its not snowing, we can keep the top down, roll up the windows and blast the heater. It's amazing how toasty it can be in a convertible in cold weather.

But definately don't forget to wear your tuque. :-) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuque

NCtim: It was available on US Spiders starting in the late 70s, but the factory designed installation used in the Series 3 (83-89) was a good design. Some owners have removed it because it robs power and the bits and pieces come up for sale.

If you have an Alfa do yourself and favor and check out the outstanding Alfa Bulletin Board. This is by far the best BB I have ever seen, for any marque. There is an Alfa Spider Technical Forum and an Air Conditioning Forum, both of which you can search for the numerous threads on this topic, and a Classifieds section. The members are extremely helpful too. Good luck! Start here. Link: http://www.alfabb.com/bb/forums/index.php

Places like Factory air can customize a kit. Likely the Alfa vendors already sell one.

Ron

In reply to andy303:

Thanks Andy, this will be a big help. The only Italian cars I've owned were Fiats (and I don't intend to own one on purpose in the future). I've always been drawn to the British marques and thought I'd branch out because the Alfas have that sexy charm of an Italian car while still being a DIY car that regular Joes can afford and work on. And, man, that engine sound and exhaust note are pure music.

Tim

Tim: You are absolutely right about the Alfa! These cars are way under priced right now for what they offer. Stuff that a guy like me who has owned many TR and MGs in past could only dream about: DOHC, five speed, four wheel disc brakes, modern suspension, dual Webers or FI, a top that can be lowered or raised while seated and so on. Explore the Alfa BB and there is nothing you won't be able to fix. And parts are plentiful too, and more often than not, still being made by the original Italian or German OEM supplier. Good luck and enjoy! Andy

I'd suggest that you look into something like a Vintage Air evaporator or similar. Most of these aftermarket companies have something that will fit into the center console. The units come with a heater core in them, so that takes care of the cold weather issues.

Your biggest problem will be finding a condensor that will fit into the bodywork and have enough capacity to deal with the new refrigerants.

Of course, you may have to upgrade your alternator too.

In reply to andy303:

Geez, Andy. Sounds like you're me. TRs, MGs, etc

In reply to dcchew:

Good plan, I was wondering about that. Being in the USA I figured there would be somebody, somewhere demanding to be comfy in an Alfa-Ha!