RHD Air Con

[AussieEtype]

The genuine aircon fitted to LHD cars is very need and suits the dash very well. What a shame they did not make a version for RHD cars. There are RHD countries in the world other than the UK, most in warmer climates and we have to suffer as a result.

I have seen underdash units and units that sit under the rear parcel tray on OTS however most of these are a disaster as far as looks go. Some are centrally mounted but the radio slot is lost.

Does anyone have aircon in their RHD that rivals the original LHD gear as far as integration goes and can you post some pics.

I am tempted to modify a LHD version to fit a RHD car but there would be a lot of work involved - in particular moving the fan to the left hand side etc.

Pics of nice systems would be great.

Thanks

Garry

[Heuer]

Gary

CMC sell a kit that fits in place of the normal air ventilation system so it is pretty much hidden from view:

A bolt-on air conditioning kit suitable for all series 1, 3.8, 4.2 and series 2 cars. Also available for MK2 and XK series. There is no need for any complicated body alterations or modifications this is a bolt on kit with everything provided. The original heater box is replaced with the air-conditioning evaporator, which not only provides air-conditioned cold air but also air-conditioned hot air. The original demister vents and foot well vents are used as airways, in addition we can provide extra air vents mounted in the radio tower if required. The kit includes compressor mounting, receiver dryer, high output alternator, electric cooling fan wiring harness, rubber hoses and unions, p clips, condenser, evaporator assembly, binary switch, on/off switches, thermostat and fitting instructions. Price: ?2,750.00

Might be worth dropping them an email to see if it will fit in the S3 or if they have an alternative. http://www.classic-motor-cars.co.uk/

[MarkE]

Hi Garry
Converting a LHD unit for a RHD would not be an easy task. I've given it some thought, and my conclusion is just to save the front piece, with the vents and controls, and build a new 'box' behind to take the receiver and blower.

The problem is that it is completely asymmetric, in the three dimensions. The obvious difference is that the blower is housed where the steering column would be, but if you have a look at the underside, there are bulges and brackets that wouldn't swap over easily. I guess that a clever metal worker could make up a mirror image, but that would surely take a lot of hours.

But look at the front grille / control panel...that would turn upside down OK. Modern A/C units are tiny by comparison, and far more efficient than this ever could be. I'm sure that all the goodies would fit into a box much smaller that this original. And you certainly wouldn't want to use the original compressor...it's very inefficient and must weigh 20kgs!

I?m sure that a reasonable aftermarket system could be found in Oz, certainly in the USA, and a combination of that and the boxed receiver with standard front could provide a neat and standard looking solution. And you can then retain a standard centre console, along with the original look of the A/C car.

The good news is that there must be plenty of these units going spare in the UK, as many S3 lhd cars have been converted.

[AussieEtype]

Thanks for the replies guys - very informative. :)
Wow - ?2,750.00 for a system - that is big Aust $$ after conversion - and then I would have to add 10% Aust Goods and Service Tax. I wonder if they actually sell many.

I have never actually to seen a LHD unit out of the car before - I still think it is doable - my local A/C guys has said it is not hard to cut and move bits but I agree modern materials would probably work better and it is probably just as hard to build the cooler to the required shape from scratch.

Cheers

Garry