Retro fit air conditioning

[827Roverman]

I've had my 1996/1997 Volvo 940 for almost six & half years now,its a 2.3ti automatic, just lately Ive been getting a little bit fed up with it due to some iritating minor niggles, such as flat battery on a regular basis, and a broken drivers door handle, and kept thinking, is it time for a change, the door handle is being fixed, and the battery problem is due to lack of use, having looked at what's available for up to £7000ish, nothing can compare with my Volvo, so I will be keeping it, over the years I have done some things to it, such as installing leather seats, a boot lid spoiler, a set of Draco's, new tyres, stainless exhaust, and installing LPG which runs great.
Yesterday whilst giving it a run out it just turned over onto 49000 miles, and when I got home I realised just how much I love this car.
The things I would like, are a sunroof which it does not have, but this would meen major surgery and costly,
Now I am keeping it, The other thing I would like is to have air conditioning installed, hence the reason for this post, What would be involved, what would I need regrading ALL parts to do this, any idea on cost involved, and where to get the parts from, is there anyone in the club that can supply all the parts for my mechanic to fit, or better still anyone near OLDHAM who could do the job for me. David.
I know those are not Draco's, its a older photo.

[360beast]

It is a massive job, you would need the dashboard out and you would need all of the heater controls wiring etc from a 940 that had air conditioning.

Off the top of my head you would need

A/C pump
A/C aux bracket
All of the pipes for A/C
Condensor
Evaporator
The whole air con unit from behind the dashboard
Wiring
Vacuum pipe
A/C control panel

I honestly wouldn't bother as it will cost a lot of money.

[827Roverman]

Originally Posted by 360beast

It is a massive job, you would need the dashboard out and you would need all of the heater controls wiring etc from a 940 that had air conditioning.

Off the top of my head you would need

A/C pump
A/C aux bracket
All of the pipes for A/C
Condensor
Evaporator
The whole air con unit from behind the dashboard
Wiring
Vacuum pipe
A/C control panel

I honestly wouldn't bother as it will cost a lot of money.

Hi Luke, I was kinda hoping you would respond, I know it will be a big job and cost a bit, So when are you coming to do it !

[griston64]

I had all that stuff when I broke the 98 Celebration David. Sadly it's all gone.

Agree with Luke though as it would be a right Royal PITA of a job It would be a huge cost as well

[volvo always]

I have sunroof and AC in my 96 940. The sunroof for the last year has been sealed shut with clear gorilla tape as leaking. Need to look at drains. Never used it to be honest, just open the window.

Replaced AC condenser and compressor and after various re-fills has leaked and not worked for long. Main leak is Condenser to AC pipe clamp O rings. Already spent £350 on it, may try again this year.

Bear in mind evaporator, Compressor, AC pipes are all well used, so like my old compressor the internal seals were US and leaking AC gas. Picked up a used one for £30. Expect to buy new condenser, Nissens are good. £65.

Much easier to buy a car with AC.

James.

[827Roverman]

Originally Posted by volvo always

I have sunroof and AC in my 96 940. The sunroof for the last year has been sealed shut with clear gorilla tape as leaking. Need to look at drains. Never used it to be honest, just open the window.

Replaced AC condenser and compressor and after various re-fills has leaked and not worked for long. Main leak is Condenser to AC pipe clamp O rings. Already spent £350 on it, may try again this year.

Bear in mind evaporator, Compressor, AC pipes are all well used, so like my old compressor the internal seals were US and leaking AC gas. Picked up a used one for £30. Expect to buy new condenser, Nissens are good. £65.

Much easier to buy a car with AC.

James.

I think your missing the point a little James, about how much I said I love my Volvo, but yes used parts could be a problem.

[griston64]

Originally Posted by 827Roverman

I think your missing the point a little James, about how much I said I love my Volvo, but yes used parts could be a problem.

You could always buy new https://www.carbuilder.com/uk/univer...ditioning-unit

[360beast]

I can supply quite a few of the bits like the A/C pump, bracket etc but I wouldn't be able to supply everything.

[volvo always]

Originally Posted by 827Roverman

I think your missing the point a little James, about how much I said I love my Volvo, but yes used parts could be a problem.

Anything is possible with time sourcing the parts and fitting. A used compressor if not working/leaking can be refurbed. Was quoted £150 around 4 years ago. A replacement off the shelf compressor may be available new.

Nissens AC condenser is cheap at £65.

An aftermarket system may be an option. Buying a scrapper with AC would be ideal as both cars side by side and see how it's all wired, AC feed etc.

James

[Laird Scooby]

I totally agree with what Luke said in his first post David but given that i know you want to keep the Volvo, it would still be cheaper than buying another car (even another 940) with AC already fitted.

However, i would still advise against it, certainly for the time being. For an AC system to stay working, it needs to be used, if it's not the seals dry out and lose their ability to seal and all the gas leaks out. As your battery is going flat through lack of use, it's fair to think the AC would potentially lose its gas too. You may be lucky like i've been with my Rover and you don't lose the gas but the emphasis is on being lucky. Another thing that can happen with lack of use is the compressor clutch bearings Brinell and they make a hell of a row when you start using the AC, not mention putting a lot of drag on the engine. Solution is new clutch bearings (they are only in use when the compressor is connected by its clutch to the pulley driven by the belt) and although relatively cheap, not always an easy job to do.

You'd also need to find someone to recover the gas from the donor vehicle and once the work had been done, to evacuate the system and leak test it prior to charging it with gas and testing once transferred to your car. Not saying it's impossible just that it's not an easy, cheap or straightforward job.

Worth it though when you can have nice cool air wafting round you on a hot day or clear your fogged up windscreen in much quicker time on a wet, cold day.