To those who have done AC, would you do it again?

[jeskam]

I don’t plan on doing a heater because I don’t plan on driving in the winter. Just wondering if the extra expense and plumbing creativity it will probably require worth it in the end?

[DW66]

I use my heat more than my A/C but would absolutely do it again. North Race Cars unit works pretty good. All my vents shoot towards the floor. It will cool the foot box even with the top off. If you have a top it will cool the cabin with the windows in. Certainly adds more work to the build.

Dave

[John4337]

I have Richard’s system and would do it again. I have a top and it’s pretty effective at taking the edge off and the heater works very well. Really shines when it’s humid or rainy, pulls the humidity out and keeps the windows clear.

[danmas]

What is "Richard's system"... I literally just asked a question about some advice on what to do in a new thread.... Should have read this first.

[Gordon Levy]

AC is only practical if you have a top and if you live somewhere hot. I have done probably 8 roadsters with various systems. Takes a bunch of work but it can work well.

[danmas]

I have a top and I run stupid hot. It can be cool in Colorado, but there are days when it just is too hot to be comfortable as well.

[DW66]

Richard Oben is the owner of North Race Cars. John and I have his heat/ac system.

[jeskam]

North Carolina so it’s HHH 3/4’s of the year.

[2bking]

I live in Texas where the temperatures exceed 100 F during the summer. I've driven in the rain, 105 degree days, and winter temperatures in the 40's. I run the top without windows (yes, even in the rain but not by choice) and the AC/heater is worth the effort. There's enough cool air from the dash to make summer driving comfortable. The heater clears the fog off the windshield in the rain showers and keeps the chill off in the cooler days. My AC/heater is from Whitby Motorcars, but not available now.

[wallace18]

I have done 2 MK4's with NRC system. Well worth it, IMO. Here in FL I ran it with the top off and was welcome cool air in the sun at stop lights.

[scrubs]

This may be worth a poll. I chose not to have one, so don't know the difficulty, but I am skeptical. I would expect most who have installed it to do it again/justify it.

[DW66]

If you’ve ever driven in the rain on a hot day with the windows in you’d realize how nice a/c is. I also agree with 2Bking. I live in New England and built my car to drive. Having heat and a/c extends my driving season. For most Roadsters that drive a couple thousand miles a year and do long trips in a trailer it probably isn’t worth it. I drive my car and it certainly makes it more comfortable.

Dave

[john42]

Following :-)

I dream of putting A/C in mine. The foot boxes get crazy hot on SCCA/Track days. During racing it's fine. Sitting still in line on 100+F black tarmac, engine running... my feet begin to cook. All I want is cold air blowing on my feet.

[John4337]

If you’ve ever driven in the rain on a hot day with the windows in you’d realize how nice a/c is. I also agree with 2Bking. I live in New England and built my car to drive. Having heat and a/c extends my driving season. For most Roadsters that drive a couple thousand miles a year and do long trips in a trailer it probably isn’t worth it. I drive my car and it certainly makes it more comfortable.

Dave

DW is right, worth it with the top on and windows. I would add, don’t expect modern car cool, the car is still a 1950’s design and it leaks air, but the A/C does take the edge off nicely and really shines in the rain with the windows in, it keeps the moisture out and prevents the car from becoming a steam bath. I don’t go looking for rain, but if you travel any, it’s going to happen. This was a drive in mid GA returning to Florida from a multi day cruise in the mountains. It rained like this most of the day. Top on and windows in, the system kept us comfortable.

https://youtu.be/srcA8T0qpvg

[toadster]

I responded to a similar thread about this...

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?46812-Heater-amp-Airconditioner-advice&p=533381&viewfull=1#post533381

[bobl]

Yes!