Jump to content

Air conditioning options?


Recommended Posts

Hi folks, my first post. I've just put a deposit on a tr4 from trgb, car will eventually end up in Thailand. Hence the aircon idea. I plan to remove the heater, not really needed here. Aircon a damned good idea! Does anyone have any pointers? I would like to keep the under bonnet as original as possible and don't want the interior ruined either. Thoughts appreciated. Thanks for reading

Link to post
Share on other sites

Nick, welcome to the forum

 

I suspect just fitting AC to your 4 won't solve your problem in Thailand

 

These cars distribute a lot of heat through the firewall, floor ( courtesy of the exhaust running right beneath the seats) and obviously black vinyl roof.

 

I suspect to get the best from an AC system you will need to heat insulate the exhaust below the floor pan, fit dynamat or similar insulation to the entire cockpit, transmission tunnels and firewalls ( I have done this to both mine and it makes the cars drivable on a Brisbane summer day although we don't gave humidity like you do) and look at a roof which is a double layer type (like modern bmw and Audi tops). Or fit an insulated hard top

 

You may need to add extra supply air grilles below the dash also

 

Interested to see what you come up with

 

Good luck

 

Graze

Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi Nick,

I have a standard TR4A in Penang, not far from you. Mine has no air conditioning, and no electric fan....runs fine in this climate but horrendous in the rain, this is when air on is really valuable....keeping the windscreen clear.

 

I would suggest you find the best local AC shop where you are and ask them to switch the heater matrix for an evaporator and arrange suitable drain tubes for the water formed. Then you'll need to consider an alternator to provide enough power for the electric fan to cool the condensor.

 

I have systems like this on a Rolls, Etype and BMW 2002 and all work great....way cheaper than any specialist kit, and made with components that local guys can maintain/fix if ever required.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi Nick,

I have a standard TR4A in Penang, not far from you. Mine has no air conditioning, and no electric fan....runs fine in this climate but horrendous in the rain, this is when air on is really valuable....keeping the windscreen clear.

 

I would suggest you find the best local AC shop where you are and ask them to switch the heater matrix for an evaporator and arrange suitable drain tubes for the water formed. Then you'll need to consider an alternator to provide enough power for the electric fan to cool the condensor.

 

I have systems like this on a Rolls, Etype and BMW 2002 and all work great....way cheaper than any specialist kit, and made with components that local guys can maintain/fix if ever required.

Looks as a sound advise to me; especially the 'local maintain' part!

 

TRs were sold all over the world. Some markets had special factory-fitted parts like a different fan. Despite the fact that David's TR runs fine without an electric fan, I would suggest you invest in one! Most TRs cannot cope without one in heavy traffic + heat + modern day fuels.

 

The TRGB guys have a great reputation; I would listen to them for suggestions - and have the mods done -again- locally!

 

Menno

Edited by Menno van Rij 2
Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi Nick. i saw your "new " car on the trgb stand this weekend....i like the look of cars that need restoring and asked about it....looked good to me and an early one at that !

When i was told it was going to Thailand, i asked if i could deliver it !!!

Have fun ,

Conrad.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Many thanks to you all for the advice, a great response!

 

I will indeed listen to TRGB for their input as to the final spec for the engine/cooling etc.

 

The car will remain in the UK for another 12 months and then be shipped with all the mechanical bits and the chassis done by TRGB, possibly even the interior panelwork. I am a bit wary of the car looking too good on import so that a Thai official takes a shine to it and decides to disappear it. Have heard stories about this.

 

I will get the bulkhead insulated and the exhaust wrapped or possibly coated, will ask around for the best options.

 

The aircon ideas are completely valid, I will maintain the mechanicals myself, had a rare care here and the bodging that was done to it was enoughto make you cry. The aircon I will get a local guy I know to come up with some ideas. I will keep you all posted on the progress ( or otherwise) of ym car and post pics when I can.

 

MAny thanks to you all for your help

 

Nick

Link to post
Share on other sites

 

had a rare care here and the bodging that was done to it was enoughto make you cry.

Good choice sir! The TR is about the best car you can pick when it comes to maintaining it yourself. And then there's always this forum for tips & trics.

The Australian TR Register has a Technical Page as well. Lots of 'how to' tips and tricks related to a hotter climate than our Northwestern (European) climate.

 

Menno

Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Please familiarise yourself with our Terms and Conditions. By using this site, you agree to the following: Terms of Use.