I've converted a couple of Zs from R12 to R134a; both had dealer installed A/C with the evaporator installed in-dash and used the vent/heat-only climate control panel. One was a 78 and one was a 74. I replaced most everything except the evaporators as they were fitted in a plastic housing that fit behind the dash vents. The 78 had a Sankyo/Sanden compressor that I tore down, cleaned, and replaced the seals. The rebuild kit and tools were from Arizona Auto Air (ACkits.com). New R134a Sanden compressors and TX valves that fit the flare connection on the original evaporator are available at Classic Auto Air.com. I have a local auto parts house that can make the hoses with the O-ring or flare connections, however I used the o-ring connectors wherever possible.

I purchased the parallel flow condensors and dryer/accumulators from ACkits.com, but I haven't added an electric fan as both cars had the shroud on the radiator fan for A/C service.

Since the heat/vent-only climate control doesn't provide any control for the compressor I added a little rocker switch w/ blue LED in the console to switch the compressor clutch on using a relay. Running the climate control selector in the "Off" position recirculates cabin air while running in "Vent" will pull in outside air. The blower fan will run in either position, however air is not directed thru the evaporator unless the selector is in Off or Vent/Bi-level. The dealer installed system used an adjustable thermostat (capillary type) switch to control the compressor, which I removed as it didn't work.

Edited June 5, 201212 yr by lmcguffin

check out this discussion: http://desertdatsuns.freeforums.org/1975-280z-a-c-project-t2294.html

I looked back at some older posts, and collected the various Parts Suppliers/ Part Numbers/ $$$ and put it all here. Feel free to update for future readers...

Great place with LOTS of AC parts (including Heater Control Valves!)...

AMC (Air Manufacturing Corp.)

1040 E. 4TH STREET

GRAHAM, TEXAS 76450

(940) 549-0288

www.amcmfg.com -Or-

http://www.marketworks.com/storefrontprofiles/default.aspx?sfid=75198

Condenser:

http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/details/QQNissanQQ280ZQQSillaQQA-fs-C_CondenserQQ19751978QQSILLAC8060.html

Accumulator/Drier:

http://www.discountacparts.com/addtocart~year~1978~make~Nissan~model~280Z~descript~A-C_Accumulator-Drier~part~60-30571.asp#

Part # 60-30571 $40.00

Remember, Nissan used a lot of the same AC components on ALL of their cars (and still do!). So, if you have to, look for model years for 810's, Maximas, Stanzas, etc.

Evaporator:

http://www.rwiamerica.com

~or~

http://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/PROD/16-7520

Expansion Valve & Accum/Drier: (USE FLARED FITTINGS!!):

http://www.onlineaccompressors.com

Part Number: 60-40201

Heater Valve Repair Kit from NAPA:

Part No. BK 6601000

or buy new from: www.amcmfg.com

Pressure Switch:

http://www.drivewire.com/vehicle/nissan-280z/ac-switch/

Four Seasons Part # FS35758 $5.70

Here is a link to an old post where we discussed this topic before....

http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39425&p=375096&viewfull=1#post375096

Parts Bottom Line... Look around, internet search, Use this forum! You WILL find the parts needed -often at a reasonable price. After all - it's not Rocket Science, but it is science...

Will this work for a 240Z? Which Z do you mean?

Brian, I have a '78 280Z. Most of this discussion would be safely applicable to the later model S30's, but when you are looking at a 240, that's when others need to chime in (eg Carl Beck, Zedyone...). I suppose that most of these parts would work under the hood, but when you get into the dash of a 240 - that is where I must punt. I guess that it would also depend on if your 240 ever had AC to begin with. Some dealer installs used a compressor mounted on the right of the engine, later L28's had a mount on the left side under the AFM and throttle. These used a heavy cast-iron mount for the earlier cars, switching to aluminum in the 280ZX. I changed mine to aluminum. You might be able to use one of these mounts with a later model compressor along with the plumbing from a later model to get yourself to the dash. You might consider a couple of things:

Check out Vintage Air:

http://www.vintageair.com/

Or Motorsport Auto:

http://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/PROD/SAC02/16-7567

Post what you are working with, include pics (pics are good). I am certain that answers for what ever is buggin you with your 240Z AC will be handled by the group.