Re: Beating a Dead horse - 6v AC

Posted by Mike On 2010/1/10 17:45:39

Did come across that but he misses a few points:

-AC was invented before 12v was standard in cars and worked great (came across a guy with a mopar always on compressor that he said was one of the best AC systems he ever played with)

-There were 6v compressor clutches. Availability is the only issue, and finding the applications.

-Not all 6 volt systems are "poor old won't start while compressor is pumping break down"...mine is excellent. Car starts, runs, idles great, lights bright, voltage and amps there for the taking. More than enough for a good fan and plenty of accessories.

-I don't expect like new AC performance...something vintage looking and vintage performing, like my half way working windshield defroster and crappy reception AM radio. Cooler air is great, but even with 12v I still wouldn't put an electric fan on the condenser, etc.

-Honestly, it'd be as easy to convert this car to a chevy motor and be done with it. 12 volts, lots of power, tranny with sane ratios and take off. Cheap available parts for any option you desire. But i like the charm (like taking belts off or other issues you wouldn't do today for maintenance) and the look of vintage. I know they say you have to find your own line for the "when have you modified too much" issue, and adding an AC compressor for me isn't too much, 12v is. The most i think i'd do is add the second alternator and 12v circuit when it comes to wiring. The car is just working too well the way it is to replace bulbs, motors, etc.

The most important issue here is....it's a challenge! It doesn't cost much to play around, and if we come up with a solution, how many 6V car hobbyists will be excited!

Also, we forget, it was done once reliably before 12v came out and people enjoyed cool air. All we have to do is retrace out steps.