How tough to instal AC
10-03-2006, 08:42 AM
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How tough to instal AC
How tough is it to get AC into a non-AC car 1991 Civic Si
Any place make a kit for it, or salvage only?
If salvage, any place to got to get the WHOLE enchilada?
Thanks, Kenny (I'm still alive! -- they only killed me on TV!)
Any place make a kit for it, or salvage only?
If salvage, any place to got to get the WHOLE enchilada?
Thanks, Kenny (I'm still alive! -- they only killed me on TV!)
10-03-2006, 11:15 AM
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You're better off buying a car with A/C, seriously.
Buying everything new may cost more than your car is worth. If you were to salvage everything from a pick-n-pull type place, you never know what parts are good and which are bad. It will take tons of time to get all the components, from in the engine bay and behind the dash, and even more time to install and troubleshoot problems.
So again, IMHO it's a very poor investment of time and $$$ to do. You are much better off finding the same model car that has A/C installed.
Buying everything new may cost more than your car is worth. If you were to salvage everything from a pick-n-pull type place, you never know what parts are good and which are bad. It will take tons of time to get all the components, from in the engine bay and behind the dash, and even more time to install and troubleshoot problems.
So again, IMHO it's a very poor investment of time and $$$ to do. You are much better off finding the same model car that has A/C installed.
10-03-2006, 02:30 PM
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There is a whole setup on e-bay right now (compressor need clutch) and I have a guy who can put it in reasonable. The car is a civic si, adult driven, extra clean and $2500 bucks with 84K mi on it. No air, but it seems like a pretty fair dewal. Your points are well taken however.
10-03-2006, 04:54 PM
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You *may* get lucky and find a dealer that still has the installation instructions available for copy. Someone might have them here or elsewhere on the web, too. Remember that A/C on those cars was still optional and dealer-installed.
It sure ain't gonna be simple and PacificDude's right, used A/C parts can be more trouble than they're worth.
I think that compressor runs in the $400 range... last I looked....
It sure ain't gonna be simple and PacificDude's right, used A/C parts can be more trouble than they're worth.
I think that compressor runs in the $400 range... last I looked....
Last edited by MTEng; 10-03-2006 at 04:58 PM.
10-04-2006, 04:07 AM
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OK, you guys and my wife have convinced me to pass on it. The stupid thing is the kit from the Dealer was only 700 bucks and the car would easily, at least out here, sell for a grand more if it had air in it. Unfortunately, neither the dealer nor the aftermarket guys stock it anymore (though the aftermarket guys do sell and install, right now anyway, '92 and on Civics!). they figure, if you don't put the system in withing the first 5-7 years, you won't ever put it in (evidently THEY don't live in Texas! -- Man it hot in the summer here!).