Air Con

I sure this has been answered but will an air con unit from a 280zx fit a 76' 260 2+2.   

I've read thru various posts that air con units were rare but were released in 260z 2+2. 

With the hot weather hitting early cruising will be all the better with a cool air cool unit OR maybe someone can point me towards the best place in Melbourne or best person to custom fit one.  Cheers

Dalee in these forums has one for sale out of a 260..

Send him a p.m

I had nothing but problems with my AC even with a lot of work on it.  So its still there but disconnected.

If you are after working AC I would suggest something newer than the 260 unit.

Theres a  company called vintage / classic air which can supply and or install new slimline aircon units into any car

I would think the basic air conditioning mechanical fundamentals under the bonnet would hook up to a 260Z, but that would be the end of it IMO.

The 280zx centre dashboard layout and demisting plus side vents and fan control are vastly different from the 260Z, you could surely pick up another unit out of a wrecked 260Z 2+2 that you could configure to work even using an auto electrician the under bonnet air cond compressors often seize, the systems haven't been retroed for the new refrigerant gas which is simple and often the thermostat for cooling are damaged

As I recall back in 1974 most 2+2's from 1974 - 1978 had 2 models, a poverty pack or a luxury pack, the difference being am/fm radio cassette and air-cond...that's it! You are unlucky not to have air mine works a treat but getting the ducts into the right spots is back breaking. Lynton 

Damn its good to back on the site...

I used a 4 outlet heater/ac unit from speedy airspares in my zed... The unit fitted, however I wasnt using the standard centre panel on the dash. Cost about $300 for all new ducting, electric thermostat, fan switch and new heater tap...

Obviously you'll need to pump, drier and hoses in the engine bay... worked a freaking treat when I had the heater setup...

was quoted 4 big ones, that's 4K, 4 grand, 4 king bell....... to install an air con unit my the car today.  I almost fell over and it wasn't due to the 40 degree heat in Melb today.  It might be cheaper to buy a second car and take the air con out and install it myself.  If anyone can help or if anyone has a factory set I'm interested.  Cheers

I had my A/C reconnected last year for the road trip to the QLD Nats, whilst it is better than nothing at all I have found that the new R34a gas is not nearly as cold as the old old R12 refrigerant 9due to the design of the old system apparently.

Cost to reco a 280zx compressor was $400 (junked the 260 compressor due to massive weight ) , plus another $800 to leak test, regass and some custom plumbing to suit the new dryer canister and fill valves etc. Air temp on a modern car is around 6 deg, mine is at around 9-10 deg so it struggled on the 40 deg heat. I need to upgrade the heater fan to push more air out of the vents. 

A common upgrade/install in the US is one of the Vintage Air setups - the only complaint I have found is that it does not hock into the outside vent/chimney and is recyc all the time.

Vintage Air have a number of different setups check out their website

http://www.vintageair.com/catalog.asp

I am thinking of using one of their Heater/Defroster units (no Air Con - I am only in NZ does not get hot enough lol) to mainly safe weight as the stock unit is heavy + I install some gauges and switches were the centre heater vents and controls are = need to do something anyway.

Well I just had a 280zx compressor put onto my 75' 260z 2 seater to replace the siezed unit. Works a treat. If you had to do stuff under the dash I would imagine it's a different story.

Ok if you don't have the Air-Con parts under the dash - I found this tonight - much smaller than the Vintage Air setups (I guess given the UK have a number kit cars aka Lotus 7 replica and the like - much smaller than US based HotRods) so one of these might be a go just need to find a supplier local for you so the £ to $ is not so bad + support the local guy

http://www.cbsonline.co.uk/universal-air-conditioning--heater-kit-aircon-294-p.asp

Check out the size of the unit - not problem in a zed 400mm x 250mm x 120mm is an Aircon and heater

The Z Store has an AC kit available for US$1149.95.  Which sounds reasonable

Complete A/C Kit, 75-78Z R-134A

http://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/PROD/SAC02/16-7568

The kits uses R134a as the refridgerant.  It should work on all 75-78Z provided that they didn't come from the factory with AC. They also tell to be aware that the installation should only be undertaken by an experienced AC technician and does not come with clear directions (the images are too dark to see but the directions are accurate).

Has anyone purchased one of these kits and/or installed one.

I love this store.  If I'm every fortunate to visit the US I'll definitely pay these guys a visit

or use the local guys

http://www.speedyairspares.com.au/

Help needed to remove and fit a complete aircon. 

I've found a car with a fully functioning air con system BUT I was hoping someone who knows their way around a 260 2+2 could help me remove the complete unit and install it into my car.

The donor car is in Moorabbin, VIC.  I think I might but the whole car which looks in pretty good nick and sell off the rest of the car. 

I’ll take some photo’s once I check the car out and let everyone know what’s available on offer.

this is the donor car

Re: The Ebay Thread - Post Ebay Cars Here!

« Reply #573 on: February 21, 2010, 08:03:46 PM »Quote Accident damaged 2+2 looks in reasonably condition otherwise, currently at $1225

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/DATSUN-260Z-SPORT-COUPE_W0QQitemZ180470493987QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAU_Cars?hash=item2a04e13323

not yet.  I'm going to check it out today if i can get a hold of the guy.  I'll PM you my number