Air conditioning

As far as I know there are 3 types of A/C delivered in a T3/T3.

1. in a multivan, chunnel on the full length of the roof

2. in a camper, in stead of the cupboard under the bed/in the back 'over the motor' there is an A/C unit

3. in a doka Tristar, from left to right just under the dashboard (can not be together with a difflock in a syncro)

I have no knowledge of any kit, but I have never searched for it.

Kris

Edited by KrisG - 05 Oct 17 at 06:23

Regards,
Kris

The problem if it is a pop top Devon is most of the standard T3 aircon unit outlets seem to be along the roof. I have built up a few aircon systems from parts on other vehicles and have thought about it with my van (also a Devon). A jap 4x4 evaporator fitted under the rear seat or in a cupboard would work but the air is in the wrong place for the cab. A unit from a small fridge van (I have seen tiny ones on Corsa vans) could be split and the evaporator side put up in that aft locker. The condencer, filter dryer, and compressor can be scrounged of just about anything, pipe work is not hard to get made up by a hose specialist, fridge vans are done like this all the time. The main problem I have come across is old systems are rubbish if you compare them with most cars now, the ducts and vents are pretty critical and if you don't get them right you get poor airflow and everything dripping in condensate. We fit AC systems to workboats and I have had a lot of hassle with flow and condensate if attention to detail isn't right. Good retrofit sytems are available from the states that are designed for Hot Rods etc but the packaging on T3 is a problem, if you can find an evaporator over there that fits all the other stuff can be found second hand in the UK. I found most UK components are in good nick as they don't have much in the way of ambient temperature to battle against! One possibility is putting the evaporator out something else in the existing heater. Packaging is a hassle but the main thing is making sure the condensate is collected well and drained otherwise even in the UK you will drown in the cab! Maybe the South African vans have a decent system (I haven't been in one for years but from memory in Tanzania the coped well in 30+degrees) but it might be a nightmare to find one and I think they had roof ducts. The electrical side is very simple unless you want climate control. I have to confess having weighed it up myself I just drive with the windows open for now!

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deanokidd Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Not Quite Newbie Joined: 24 Jun 09 Status: Offline Points: 16	Post Options Post Reply Quote deanokidd Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Air conditioning Posted: 01 Oct 17 at 21:56
	Hi Guys, Any ideas how I can fit A/C to my 1981 Devon was there ever a T3 with A/C or are there any kits available?

KrisG Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Groupie Joined: 28 Sep 14 Location: Begijnendijk,BE Status: Offline Points: 135	Post Options Post Reply Quote KrisG Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 02 Oct 17 at 19:22
	As far as I know there are 3 types of A/C delivered in a T3/T3. 1. in a multivan, chunnel on the full length of the roof 2. in a camper, in stead of the cupboard under the bed/in the back 'over the motor' there is an A/C unit 3. in a doka Tristar, from left to right just under the dashboard (can not be together with a difflock in a syncro) I have no knowledge of any kit, but I have never searched for it. Kris Edited by KrisG - 05 Oct 17 at 06:23
	Regards, Kris

deanokidd Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Not Quite Newbie Joined: 24 Jun 09 Status: Offline Points: 16	Post Options Post Reply Quote deanokidd Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 02 Oct 17 at 20:23
	Thanks Kris 😊

scoody Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Not Quite Newbie Joined: 03 Oct 12 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 28	Post Options Post Reply Quote scoody Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 17 Oct 17 at 23:32
	The problem if it is a pop top Devon is most of the standard T3 aircon unit outlets seem to be along the roof. I have built up a few aircon systems from parts on other vehicles and have thought about it with my van (also a Devon). A jap 4x4 evaporator fitted under the rear seat or in a cupboard would work but the air is in the wrong place for the cab. A unit from a small fridge van (I have seen tiny ones on Corsa vans) could be split and the evaporator side put up in that aft locker. The condencer, filter dryer, and compressor can be scrounged of just about anything, pipe work is not hard to get made up by a hose specialist, fridge vans are done like this all the time. The main problem I have come across is old systems are rubbish if you compare them with most cars now, the ducts and vents are pretty critical and if you don't get them right you get poor airflow and everything dripping in condensate. We fit AC systems to workboats and I have had a lot of hassle with flow and condensate if attention to detail isn't right. Good retrofit sytems are available from the states that are designed for Hot Rods etc but the packaging on T3 is a problem, if you can find an evaporator over there that fits all the other stuff can be found second hand in the UK. I found most UK components are in good nick as they don't have much in the way of ambient temperature to battle against! One possibility is putting the evaporator out something else in the existing heater. Packaging is a hassle but the main thing is making sure the condensate is collected well and drained otherwise even in the UK you will drown in the cab! Maybe the South African vans have a decent system (I haven't been in one for years but from memory in Tanzania the coped well in 30+degrees) but it might be a nightmare to find one and I think they had roof ducts. The electrical side is very simple unless you want climate control. I have to confess having weighed it up myself I just drive with the windows open for now!

ceetee25 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Not Quite Newbie Joined: 19 Dec 06 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 25	Post Options Post Reply Quote ceetee25 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 03 Jan 18 at 14:50
	i would say judging by the way my a/c is installed, to retro fit one is almost an impossible task and your T3 would have to be a caravelle with no pop top, because of the trunking and air distribution. maybe a portable a/c unit can do a reasonable job when parked and camping or open all windows as already suggested when driving.