How easy is it to retrofit A/C to a non A/C equipped car?

[pfarq]

Subject line says it all.

Is it fairly straight forward? Cost implications?

Thanks,

P

[2ManyZs]

It is not an easy job under the dash although the underhood work is pretty straightforward.

It depends on how you plan on doing it. Are you using used parts from another car or are you buying a kit from MSA or someone else that has everything new that you need? One caveat for the used parts is that you won't know the condition of the parts until you have it installed and charged. Then it's back to taking it apart to repair and then re-charge. I think if I were to do it I would uswe the kit from MSA for about 700-800, at least you know you are getting parts that will work. By the time you do a swap from another car you may well end up buying replacement parts, compressor, dryer, etc. that will end up costing you nearly as much. The big plus of the kit is it has the rotary compressor which is more efficient and quieter.

The hardest part will be working under the dash to install the components around the heater. You may well end up removing the dash to get the room to work as it may get a little cramped trying to run the vent hoses and removing and installing the heater box when you have installed everything. I know when i removed the A/c unit from my 280 it was a PITA to try to get it out from behind the heater control panel, where most of it is located on a 280. Not sure if the kit for the 240 will have it in the same place or if it will be more under the dash around the heater box.