A/C retrofit

Newbie Joined: Nov 04, 2013 Posts: 10

Hi all .
I am a new member here, thrilled by the Community.
Firstly let me apology if my question has been already answered elsewhere.
I am a proud owner of a 1991 2.3E cabriolet, without A/C.
I would like to add A/C (sun can be very strong here).
What is the most viable way to accomplish such a retrofit?
Are there full kits available? Do I have to buy it off another car?
Thanks in advance for any suggestion.
Regards.
Antonio

ITALY

Posted: Sun Nov 10, 2013 4:41 pm

you colud buy something like this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Audi-80-Full-Air-Con-System-2-6-V6-2-8-V6-Coupe-Avant-Cabriolet-Breaking-Car-/360788046084?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item5400a4b104 , but there are loads of other bits needed, you need another car of the same engine really otherwise you will be hunting for parts. are you going to do the work yourself? i think the time to retro fit will take 12 hours for a skilled mechanic at least if they haven't got to strip partts from another car, and the cost to pay somebody else to fit you would be better off selling your car and buying one with air con. you need a rear end write off for cheap and do the work yourself to make it worth doing.

Newbie Joined: Nov 04, 2013 Posts: 10

Posted: Sun Nov 10, 2013 7:52 pm

no is the quick answer, most parts are good but you need all the bits for the 5 cyl engine, the 4 cly is very different, i think all the stuff inside the car will be fine but the engine stuff wont work, i guess its pipes and brackets and all the fittings bits that you will definitely need from the same engine as yours, there is just too much to look through to find what is good and not, you will need the same engine as yours and same year as i think there are changes with newer 5 cyl engine a/c systems. it is alot of work, maybe your mechanic is looking for extra work, i think he should know that its not worth trying to retro fit.

Newbie Joined: Nov 04, 2013 Posts: 10

ok...got the message:((((
Thanks anyway!!

Posted: Wed Nov 13, 2013 2:13 pm

I had Alpinair fit aircon to my 2.6 cab about 14 years ago...still going strong...maybe you need to drive your cab to England for a holiday and get it fitted Wink

Newbie Joined: Nov 04, 2013 Posts: 10

That is absolutely possible as my wife is from Falmouth!!
I usually spend in Cornwall a part of my summer vacations.
What is Alpinair?
regards.
Antonio

Posted: Wed Nov 13, 2013 5:15 pm

http://www.alpinair.co.uk/

I drive down to Sarzana most summers, their air con works pretty well!

My car's now on 203k miles!

Newbie Joined: Nov 04, 2013 Posts: 10

Got in touch with them!!
Do you remember how long it took to install and how much?
Regards.
Antonio

Posted: Wed Nov 13, 2013 5:27 pm

Took a day or 2, I think from memory price was about £1500 but I got Audi dealer to throw it in if I bought the car.

Don't know how much it is nowadays, but system has been 100% reliable over last 14 years.

Posted: Wed Nov 13, 2013 5:32 pm

PS, your cab looks nice Antonio!

Newbie Joined: Nov 04, 2013 Posts: 10

GOD!!! It is going to be 3.000 today:((

THANKS!!! I am sooo proud of her:))

Posted: Wed Nov 13, 2013 6:20 pm

Sounds like it won't be an option....just have to trade up to an a/c model I guess.

Posted: Fri Nov 15, 2013 9:54 pm

i am guessing but i think the air con system must be the same in the 80 saloon and coupe for the same year, you will just have to look for a 2.3l to get what you want.

Newbie Joined: Nov 04, 2013 Posts: 10

I did not even knew there are 80 2.3E saloon and coupe!!
Do you think that having a LHD car could make a difference?

Posted: Sat Nov 16, 2013 9:27 pm

all the internal stuff yes, most engine hardware wont matter, but all the piping and fittings will have to be for the LHD, so you need a LHD same engine and close year match for a retro fit,

Newbie Joined: Nov 04, 2013 Posts: 10

Ok thanks! On monday I will have a fixed quote from Alpinair London.
I was thinking to drive the CAB to UK this summer anyway so, if it is not going to be much of the car value itself, I might go for that option.

Posted: Fri Nov 22, 2013 9:51 pm

did you get a quote? how much?

Newbie Joined: Nov 04, 2013 Posts: 10

Not yet

They said that being LHD there is the need of more time.
Keep waiting and hoping….

Newbie Joined: Nov 04, 2013 Posts: 10

Dear friends…Alpinair turned out to be a flop Sad

After a very promising beginning they disappeared from my radar screen…never replied to my messages. Well, I guess i will not have an A?C retrofit after all…
Thanks anyone contributed!!!
Happy Xmas and new Year!!