Fitting AC to a 260Z

[oldmates260z]

Just bought the bits to fit a AC into a 1975 2+2, has anyone done this before?

I have the whole assembly that goes under the dash but i assume the heater box bit will be the same what is there now?

Thanks

[twosixty]

It should, although there were changes in the heater box & controls in later 260z's. My 75 has the 240z heater box, that is, cable controlled and a coolant valve. I understand that the later 260 models have some wierd vacuum controls?? (Please someone chime in here cause I haven't seen these). What year is your Z? Maybe you can swap the whole assembly is it does not match...

 

Luke

[oldmates260z]

Thanks for the info Luke. I have a AC out of the later model that has the vacuum valve and my heater is cable operated. I am going to try and fit the later AC box to the older heater box. Seems like a big job to get the heater box out

Cheers

Tim

[twosixty]

Yeah I took mine out late last year to replace the heater core, valve and missing air ducts. Removing the dash was a pain and led to a LOT of "While I'm here..." so dash stayed out for about 3 months :oops:

 

There are a few walkthroughs on the net for removing the dash, but it isn't super difficult. Just label all the connectors, bag the bolts n screws, and hope there aren't any dodgy PO repairs...

 

Good luck :wink:

Luke

[oldmates260z]

I have found that upto about 1975 they ran a TX valve system with a fin and tube coil, in a mild steel box. After that they have a automotive aluminium coil, orifice, all in a plastic box. You have to change out the whole assembly to make it work plus get a vacuum line it...all too hard!

I am fitting an early one now but am wondering where the receiver drier goes on the factory system plus how you switch the AC on and off? There is no control for the AC, was there a rocker switch somewhere?

Does anyone have any shots of one fitted?

Also where does the timing mark move to?

[Lynton]

My 2+2 has air but it is a 77' and as I recall in the early 260z 74/75' without aircond the off position on the heater control is the aircond position.

I recall early coupes never had aircond it was only in the 2+2 until about late 76/77/78 and only in some coupes.

I don't think you could run heat and air together it was either one or the other??

My 2+2 sits on A/c as the first port of call then vent/heat/bi-level/recirc/defrost and when the fan is on it needs to be on about 3rd speed to feel the effects.

I had mine retro gassed and that has worked well.

The vacuum system is weak and has a vacuum control under the bonnet I think Zworks (Rob) knows how to bypass when they play up but then the settings aren't always what they say!!

Since I moved to Qld I don't use the heater much and now it doesn't work at all but the air is beautiful and a must up here.

Lynton

[oldmates260z]

Thanks Lynton. From what it looks like and what I know of the early history of fitting AC in Australia I am guessing that the system fitted before the factory system you have in your car was by after market companies. I work for one that now supplies AC to Ford and Holden. They were very agricultural and used commonly available parts in the Australian market which suits me now as I can still buy the parts off the shelf. I got the evaporator and controls from the same car and thought it would have a position for Ac, but its control panel was the same as mine without AC. They must just have had a separate switch, and so do I now!

 

You are right, the air either goes through the AC coil to your face or through the heater to the floor and demist. I will just have to remember when the AC is on; the air must go to my face.

Cheers

Tim