AC retrofit onto a 1HZ - options and costs?

[rstl99]

Hi again folks.
Having decided to stick with the 80 for my long-term road travel plans, I'd like to eventually make it a bit more amenable to hot weather travel. Mine is configured as the "poverty pack", so has 1HZ, 5 speed, and no AC. A couple of questions to tap into the collective knowledge here:

1. WHat are my options (without having to pay an arm and a leg!) to get AC retrofitted to my 1HZ? Any good after market solutions worth considering?
2. Is this something user-doable for someone familiar with tools and working around an engine, but not setup for metal fabrication (ie. brackets, etc.)? Or best left to a shop?
3. Rough estimate of "turnkey" installation, if done (well!) by a shop?

Thanks.
--Robert

 

[Stone]

I'm totally guessing here...but I think the fact that your truck is an 80 series and is LHD is a huge bonus, because all the difficult stuff that you will need, like the piping and the condenser and evaporator will be easily sourced...maybe even from wreckers. The compressor will be the most difficult thing to source...and in that case, JDM sellers like G&S will be your friend.

 

[roscoFJ73]

I'm totally guessing here...but I think the fact that your truck is an 80 series and is LHD is a huge bonus, because all the difficult stuff that you will need, like the piping and the condenser and evaporator will be easily sourced...maybe even from wreckers. The compressor will be the most difficult thing to source...and in that case, JDM sellers like G&S will be your friend.

x2
If G&S dont have a compressor ,there is a wide range of Denso compressors for landcruisers on aussie ebay cheap.
Check the parts for sale in the MUD classifieds.

Someone who is familar with Landcruiser 80 series aircon will be much quicker at the instal,finding someone maybe harder.
The plugs for the electrical should all be there.

I paid someone a days labour to reinstal mine but that was on a 73 series

Im not sure what kind of gas they use in NA but its worth upgrading to the new enviro friendly stuff so you need a compatable drier and pump

 

[Stone]

Rosco...when I dropped the 12H-T into my FJ80, I had an airconditioning and rad shop retrofit the system for the R134a refrigerant. Got new o-rings, dryer, and fitting adaptors so they can fill my system. It works great! Starts to cool within a couple of minutes, and is ice-cold not too long afterwards. The shop did a great job on the custom hoses that I needed to adapt the FJ80 hard lines to my 12H-T compressor (it's located in a different spot compared to the 3FE that was in there).

I was told that in North America the R134a is going to be obsolete soon, and there will be something new that's even more environmentally friendly...didn't catch what the new name was though.

 

[roscoFJ73]

Rosco...when I dropped the 12H-T into my FJ80, I had an airconditioning and rad shop retrofit the system for the R134a refrigerant. Got new o-rings, dryer, and fitting adaptors so they can fill my system. It works great! Starts to cool within a couple of minutes, and is ice-cold not too long afterwards. The shop did a great job on the custom hoses that I needed to adapt the FJ80 hard lines to my 12H-T compressor (it's located in a different spot compared to the 3FE that was in there).

I was told that in North America the R134a is going to be obsolete soon, and there will be something new that's even more environmentally friendly...didn't catch what the new name was though.

Might be this http://www.google.com.au/url?url=ht...cement&usg=AFQjCNGj1bwnkW5hhxBCvGSeNQ-Voz6aoQ

Although 2011 is the cut off date for new vehicles,I guess they will keep selling R134A for some time

 

[rstl99]

Thanks!

Thanks guys, great advice as usual. I've got other priorities truck-wise presently, but will chase down an AC retrofit solution at some point down the road, and will heed your suggestions. In the meantime I'll keep an eye out for a Denso compressor as indicated.
Be cool!

 

[96r50]

If you want to take a look at the A/C setup on my USDM truck let me know. I'll be at the meeting on the 11th too.