# Aftermarket automotive AC
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aftermarket-automotive-ac/326466
**Category:** Factual Questions
**Created:** [October 16, 2005, 1:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aftermarket-automotive-ac/326466 "2005-10-16T13:52:32Z")
**Posts on this page:** 12
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@hlanelee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hlanelee)
#### Post date: [October 16, 2005, 1:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aftermarket-automotive-ac/326466/1 "2005-10-16T13:52:32Z")
Many of my personal projects are coming to a head and I need something new to do. Summer has pretty much gone and I have recently aquired a 79 Chevy pickup. It doesn’t have and air conditioner and I remember once upon a time a friend had a car with an aftermarket air conditioner installed in it. This might be a fun thing to do. Has anyone here ever done it? If so, is it a worthwhile endeavor? What are some good sources?
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### Author:  [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)
#### Post date: [October 16, 2005, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aftermarket-automotive-ac/326466/2 "2005-10-16T16:10:53Z")
Without an EPA licensce and the proper training and equipment, you won’t be able to get your hands on the freon. This is something best left to the pros. You _might_ be able to install it yourself, but you’d still have to have a pro charge it. You’re probably better off leaving it to somebody that knows what they’re doing.
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### Author:  [@danceswithcats](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/danceswithcats)
#### Post date: [October 16, 2005, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aftermarket-automotive-ac/326466/3 "2005-10-16T17:30:42Z")
JC Whitney used to sell them-a quick online check shows a custom fitted AC unit to give OE look-they range from $800 to $1200. If it’s based on 134a, shade tree mechanics are permitted to play. If it’s for 12, you can install it but need someone with a cert to charge.
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### Author:  [@hlanelee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hlanelee)
#### Post date: [October 16, 2005, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aftermarket-automotive-ac/326466/4 "2005-10-16T18:36:18Z")
**Joey** I’ve got an EPA certification, recovery pump and a vacuum pump.
**danceswithcats** they haven’t sold R12 in America since the 90’s and since my stash has long since been used, I would be looking at an R134a system.
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### Author:  [@Gary\_T](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_T)
#### Post date: [October 17, 2005, 12:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aftermarket-automotive-ac/326466/5 "2005-10-17T00:47:18Z")
> [@hlanelee](#):
>
> **danceswithcats** they haven’t sold R12 in America since the 90’s…
Where’d you get that idea? I’ve bought it within the last year and haven’t heard anything to indicate it will stop being sold anytime in the near future.
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### Author:  [@hlanelee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hlanelee)
#### Post date: [October 17, 2005, 1:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aftermarket-automotive-ac/326466/6 "2005-10-17T01:30:12Z")
> [@Gary T](#):
>
> Where’d you get that idea? I’ve bought it within the last year and haven’t heard anything to indicate it will stop being sold anytime in the near future.
I don’t know, maybe the\*\* [EPA](http://www.epa.gov/ozone/title6/609/index.html) \*\*
Granted, it’s sold, but not produced legally in America. You can buy it, if you can find it, and are willing to pay for it. When stockpiles are gone, you won’t do that. Propane can replace R-12 in a pinch, but when it goes wrong, it goes really wrong. Personally, I’m busy learning everthing I can about thermoacoustics.
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### Author:  [@danceswithcats](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/danceswithcats)
#### Post date: [October 17, 2005, 2:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aftermarket-automotive-ac/326466/7 "2005-10-17T02:27:25Z")
From what suppliers are telling me, brand new R12 isn’t available. Reclaimed R12 is being filtered, ensured to be non-acidic and is being resold as equal-to-virgin product. Those have been my recent purchases.
A little hint **hlanlee** -if other dopers don’t know you’re a certified individual, we won’t assume that in our replies. A little more info in your OP will let others tailor their response.
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### Author:  [@Gary\_T](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_T)
#### Post date: [October 17, 2005, 2:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aftermarket-automotive-ac/326466/8 "2005-10-17T02:40:49Z")
> [@hlanelee](#):
>
> Granted, it’s sold, but not produced legally in America.
Oh, “granted, it’s sold?” Then why say it isn’t sold? That’s simply not true. Whether and where it’s produced is a totally different issue.
> [@](#):
>
> Propane can replace R-12 in a pinch, but when it goes wrong, it goes really wrong.
True on both counts. I shake my at the incredible stupidity of those who even consider using it.
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### Author:  [@hlanelee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hlanelee)
#### Post date: [October 17, 2005, 11:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aftermarket-automotive-ac/326466/9 "2005-10-17T11:57:36Z")
> [@Gary T](#):
>
> Oh, “granted, it’s sold?” Then why say it isn’t sold? That’s simply not true. Whether and where it’s produced is a totally different issue.
>
> True on both counts. I shake my at the incredible stupidity of those who even consider using it.
My OP was flawed, I should have said produced rather than sold. You are right I am wrong. And personally, I have tried to not be surprised by the stupidity of the people around me, it is futile. And I have actually seen the end results of “propane will replace R12”, **incredible stupidity** is a kind way to put it.
**danceswithcats** the habit of going into the world to find out information while revealing as little about myself as possible is ingrained deeply in me. Please forgive me, I’m a dick, I should stay in the swamp where I belong. Maybe next time I’ll bring pie.
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### Author:  [@Kimstu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimstu)
#### Post date: [October 17, 2005, 12:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aftermarket-automotive-ac/326466/10 "2005-10-17T12:41:13Z")
The Car Talk guys say [it’s a tough job](http://www.cartalk.com/content/columns/Archive/1998/July/04.html):
> [@](#):
>
> **Dear Tom and Ray:** My relationship with my '88 Mercury Tracer is in trouble. We’ve been together through many winters in Alaska, but now that we are living in Southern California, the bloom is off the rose. You see, the car has no air conditioning, and the cost of having AC installed (about $1,000) is putting a strain on our relationship. I have a standard toolbox (crescent wrench, screwdriver and claw hammer) and can read. Is this a project I can do myself? – Tim
>
> **Tom:** No. Under no circumstances should you attempt this, Tim.
>
> **Ray:** Right. You’d have a better chance of building a nuclear reactor out of old soda cans and cereal boxtops.
>
> **Tom:** It’s a huge job. A complicated, complete pain. Even though you may be able to buy a parts kit from your Mercury dealer, and even though this car is likely to be pre-wired and have the requisite duct work in place, you’ll end up a week later with no air conditioning, and $500 worth of Mercury parts strewn around your garage floor.
>
> **Ray:** Hey. Maybe he can build a nuclear reactor with those!
>
> **Tom:** So if you really are in love with this car (which we can’t quite understand, but we’ll take your word for it), take it to your Mercury dealer and pay him $1,000 to install the AC. It’ll be the best 1,000 bucks you ever spent. Trust us on this.
And this is for a car that was designed to accomodate an optional airconditioning system. Presumably your '79 Chevy wasn’t. Tom and Ray comment elsewhere that installing aftermarket AC is even [more complicated](http://www.cartalk.com/content/columns/Archive/1993/June/08.html) on a car that wasn’t designed for that option.
The OP is obviously more experienced and qualified than the average DIY newbie, but Ray notes that even professional car mechanics can easily screw up aftermarket AC installation, so it might not be the best choice for a fun, low-stress leisure-time project with a high chance of success.
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### Author:  [@Gary\_T](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_T)
#### Post date: [October 17, 2005, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aftermarket-automotive-ac/326466/11 "2005-10-17T15:14:46Z")
> [@danceswithcats](#):
>
> From what suppliers are telling me, brand new R12 isn’t available. Reclaimed R12 is being filtered, ensured to be non-acidic and is being resold as equal-to-virgin product. Those have been my recent purchases.
First time I’ve ever heard this. Wonder who those suppliers are. I just checked with my supplier (Carquest auto parts store), and he assures me that all the R-12 they sell is indeed brand new.
Back to the main question in the OP: I started out in my field (auto repair) installing aftermarket A/C, back in the early 70’s when there was a fair demand for it. It wasn’t what I could call hard – heck, I was a beginner then and didn’t really have problems doing it – but some parts could be a bit tricky, depending on the vehicle and the design of the kit. I haven’t done this for over 20 years now, so I don’t know if there have been any notable changes in the kits or procedures that would make a difference, but I’m inclined to think if so they make it easier.
Here’s a rundown of the main components and some details I recall:
Engine mounting for the compressor: Typically a collection of brackets and braces that would attach to the block and sometimes head(s). Often required replacing some original brackets/braces (save the old ones). Sometimes had minor errors in the hardware diagrams (e.g., bolt size), but nothing that common sense couldn’t rectify.
Crankshaft pulley: If the factory set-up didn’t have a groove for the A/C belt, or an existing groove that could be shared with the A/C, a different or additional pulley had to be installed. We always cleaned all the paint off the back of add-on pulleys to make sure they went on square.
Condenser: We generally had to find the right location using universal mounting brackets. Sometimes holes had to be drilled with a hole saw for the hoses to pass into the engine compartment.
Drier: Usually simple, just a matter of selecting a suitable location. Nowadays I imagine it would be an accumulator, but should still be simple.
Evaporator: Back then many were semi-universal, we had to select an appropriate location. For in-dash (as opposed to old-fashioned under-dash) units, it often took some clever engineering to get all the details right (e.g. secure mounting, no interference with other stuff, air duct routing, any visible portion looking good). Some, and I suspect nowadays virtually all, were custom designed for the particular vehicle and were fairly straightforward. On some cars the glove box had to be removed or modified. If there weren’t pre-existing holes or punch-outs for the hoses, we had to find a suitable location and use a hole saw. Selecting the right place for these was often the trickiest part. Some kits have a template to show hole location.
Hoses: All were assembled from hose stock and push-in fittings secured with hose clamps. I would expect nowadays the hoses are provided as complete assemblies with fittings. If not, find out if special tools are needed to assemble them (I doubt the old style was suitable for R-134a, which I’m sure is what the system will be designed for).
Electrics: Some controls are add-on, meaning you have to find a mounting location in the dash. Some replace existing controls, or easily go into an existing slot after removing a blank. Wiring may plug into existing connectors, or may have to be routed to a suitable power source in the fuse box.
The two biggest brands I remember from that time were Thermo King and Frigiking. I don’t know if they still exist. I’d call an auto A/C specialty shop that does installations and see what they recommend or provide.
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### Author:  [@MizGrand](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MizGrand)
#### Post date: [October 18, 2005, 11:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aftermarket-automotive-ac/326466/12 "2005-10-18T11:21:37Z")
10-year former auto parts manager here (Grand Auto, 'member them? Nasty old Krag\*\* bought them out in 10/99). IIRC, at the end of my career in the store (1996, moved on to the warehouse, yay!) R12 was kept behind the counters and we could only sell a can to someone presenting some sort of license to purchase it. Ordinary folk would walk in and want some and we’d have to tell them to send their mechanic to buy it.
YMMV.