Re: aftermarket ac

Posted by HH56 On 2015/7/21 9:57:16

All good ideas but I would wonder about the electric fan and if it was needed. If you do use one how will you power it. Others have been asking about the fan not so much for AC but for cars that seem to have persistent overheating problems.

For use with AC, my thinking is if 12v and off the separate 12v battery, current draw is tolerable but with the AC and fan both pulling off the battery I would think it would quickly discharge unless you plan on the separate alternator to keep it charged. On Packards that kind of leads up to the belt drive dilemma. No idea how Buicks compare with Packards in the space and extra pulley dept so maybe not as much an issue.

I believe there is a 54 in AZ with the separate 12v battery and a very small 12v alternator to keep it charged. Think it is driven by an extra groove on the compressor. Haven't seen photos but IIRC the owner said the alternator is mounted on the same bracket adjacent to or below the compressor. Also no idea if he has a PS pump to contend with. Packards version PS pump takes up considerable space and would be another item to worry about.

If you go with a 6v fan I would really wonder if the stock 6v charging setup would be able to handle all the extra current it would need. Believe some of those 6v fans draw 20-25 amps at full speed and since most 6v systems only put out 30-35 max that doesn't leave much extra for ignition or radio or headlights. Another alternator probably would be needed or have you already made that conversion.