Cost to Install A/C

[ZCarLife]

I was wondering if I could get an idea as to the cost of installing A/C in a '73 240z...

TIA,

C

[zKars]

I have done two vintage air installs. One in a 77 (friends), then mine in a 73. Total labor was 70 hours on the 77, and close to 60 on my 73.

This does not include trips to the store for parts, or trip to the AC shop for hose make up and an eventual system charge at the end.

Dash comes out, create mount for the underdash unit, create a mount for the compressor, fabricate and mount a nice place for the controls where the old heater controls were, wiring, air duct make up etc, etc, etc. Everything done right, looks and runs great. Time ads up real quick. My next one will take 10% less time, but that is about it. Everything is fab and fit, fab and fit.

There are threads on here with others experiences, and somewhere I posted a document that describes the full details of the 77 install. I have the doc for the 73 too if you need it. It is not a small job.

Let me know if I can help with anything.

Jim

[psdenno]

The complete cost on my '71 in July 2008 for the kit from MSA was:

MSA Kit: $910

Installation at local shop: $650 (10 hours labor)

Total cost $1.560

My cost on the same car in 1972:

ARA A/C Kit and labor $325 total.

Times & prices change.

Dennis

Edited October 7, 2009 by psdenno

[Carl Beck]

Hi Dennis:

Prices change to reflect the ever lower "value" of the Dollar. Interesting that adjusted for inflation - using the questionable CPI -

What cost $325.00 in 1972 would cost $1654.79 in 2008.

Pretty close - yes?

FWIW,

Carl B.

[ZCarLife]

Wow, I didn't realize it was so much.. I am not going to be doing the work myself, I would be using a Z specialty shop. Any other imput would be helpful but in the meantime I will try to look into past threads...

Thanks,

C

[Carl Beck]

From memory -

The Vintage Air Evaporator Kit was something close to $495.00. That gives you the evaporator that includes a heater core, A.C. Controls and wiring, outlet vents and piping etc.

The Vintage Air UniFlow Condenser {for R134a}, and Dryer was around $225.00

A rebuilt Hitachi Compressor from the 280ZX was expensive at $325.00, but I could use the compressor mount from the 280Z and the belt tensioners etc.

Custom Built hoses were around $270.00 total

Installed it myself so labor was free. $1315.00... plus a few other small items. I did this a few years ago so price will be somewhat different today... I would not recommend using the Hitachi compressor - it was too expensive compared to other offerings - so you might save a couple hundred in that area.

Not really a perfect option if you want to maintain a pure stock look - but the Vintage Air unit will cool a 240Z here in Florida - something that the old style add on units that suck though the evaporator and then blow though the stock heater/vents would never do.

With the new Vintage Air totally electronic controls - it would be possible to maintain a pretty stock look, but it would take a bit of extra work...

FWIW,

Carl B.

[Orangys280Z]

If you want cheap(but legal) labor, go to a UTI campus, if there is one near by you. I go to the campus in Rancho Cucamonga, and as long as you supply the parts, the students can install it. Because it's going towards educational purposes the labor is free. Just gotta sign a Liability release form and give some info on a repair order and wait. There is a class that only does A/C. Not a bad deal huh?

[psdenno]

Thanks for the perspective, Carl. That $325 seemed like a big chunk of change in '72 and represented over two weeks' pay. The inflated 2008 dollars were a little easier to part with - that's progress.

Dennis

Hi Dennis:

Prices change to reflect the ever lower "value" of the Dollar. Interesting that adjusted for inflation - using the questionable CPI -

What cost $325.00 in 1972 would cost $1654.79 in 2008.

Pretty close - yes?

FWIW,

Carl B.

[Pop's Z]

Hi Courtney, I recently installed a Hot Rod Air system (both heat and A/C) in my '73 240Z. The kit was $1260. They did include a bracket to mount the A/C compressor to the engine which Vintage Air does not. I spent a few more $$ to get the right heater hoses, etc. It was not the easiest thing I ever did, but it was worth every penny and skinned knuckle. It works very well...hot air from the heater and freezing cold air from the A/C side. If you are not much of a mechanic I would advise you not to take it on. I removed the dash,console, seats and the old heater. Removal isn't that difficult, but putting everything back was somewhat more difficult. As you have a '78 did it come with air? If not you might look for one that has the factory air option. Now that being said, I could do the same install in about 10 days time knowing what I know now. If you would like to see some pics of the install pm me w/ your email and I'll send some right along.

Cheers, Mike

[auzziez]

Mike, I'd love to see pictures. I have a whole AC system in an old 73 parts car that I am dismantling. The compressor is well preserved, but the evaporator and other parts may not be in as good of shape. Seeing what you had to go through will help me decide how much an undertaking it will be to put it into my new '70. Regards, Tony

[richard1]

Mike, I'd love to see pictures. I have a whole AC system in an old 73 parts car that I am dismantling. The compressor is well preserved, but the evaporator and other parts may not be in as good of shape. Seeing what you had to go through will help me decide how much an undertaking it will be to put it into my new '70. Regards, Tony

I would never undertake this kind of adventure from a car that has never been equipped with A/C as a dealer option. Mine is a dealer optioned car that has been rebuilt two year ago and the process has been quite simple by installing a new compressor, hoses, dryer and valve.

I may be lucky but I have absolutely no complain about the original unit. It blows 57dregrees in desert climate at 112 degrees. In traffic, I installed an electric fan to cool down the evaporator.

My tech was an MB A/C guy.........total cost $1200.00 including parts and everything is full original as 37 years ago with no modifications.