11 replies to this topic

[Oldkartracer]

Has anyone installed air conditioning in a classic mini? I live in south coastal Georgia US and it does get hot in the summer. I once had a 1964 36 hp Bug with A/C. You certainly knew when the compressor kicked on, but it was better than not having it...

I just bought my 1960 Mini Minor as a disassembled project that was started 57 years ago (not a typo). Near perfect body and a huge collection of new parts. The PO has already bored, balanced, new 10:1 pistons, cam, etc for the original 848 or I would be considering more cc's.

I have found a few under dash units that will take the place of the original heater so that's not a problem. I don't know how much space is available for the compressor. I would like to use a poly-V belt to drive it and the alternator. Any ideas on pulleys that will work?

I've also looked at a system with an electric compressor that could be mounted in the boot. It is a Chinese setup available on Ebay so I would appreciate any feedback. It would need an alternator upgrade (120 A, or more I think), also driven with a poly-V belt.

Once you are finished ROFL, let me know your thoughts - (other than about my mental stability).

[DeadSquare]

Welcome.

 

Air con was fitted to some Delux models for the Japanese market.

 

In an 850, you could probably get away with using it in town, and when going down hill.

 

To keep up with the traffic on the open road, may I suggest a poly-V belt drive to to the rear wheels from a couple of Briggs and Stratton ?

[mab01uk]

Useful FaceBook link for Classic Mini Air Conditioning:-

"For all classic Minis built between 1959-2000 with air conditioning installed, from the factory, aftermarket or factory AC installed later. Only about air conditioning and any related problems, removal, modifications, installation, overheating, etc.
ANY posts or photos not directly pertaining to Classic Mini air conditioning will be deleted. Pictures of Classic Minis will be okay. Mini compatible AC systems found in other cars will also be allowed."

https://www.facebook...756900611517382
 

Rover UK factory fitted air conditioning to Japanese export 1275cc Mini's in the 1990/2000's. Photo below shows the compressor and pipe work, etc, below the much larger Japan spec alternator fitted above the a/c compressor. The left hand inner wing has another electric fan and the air con condenser radiator fitted. The air con evaporator is located under the passenger side parcel shelf in a much larger combined heater box assembly with cold air outlets in the dash.

Earlier 998cc Minis exported to Japan were also fitted with air con but it was different system installed locally in Japan. An 850cc engine would probably struggle to run air con without a noticeable drop in engine performance...

 

Edited by mab01uk, 17 January 2025 - 01:04 PM.

[mab01uk]

Universal Complete A/C Kits (USA):-

https://nostalgicac....plete-a-c-kits/

 

The above company in USA were working on developing a kit for the Austin Mini, so might be worth contacting.

Edited by mab01uk, 17 January 2025 - 01:12 PM.

[68+86auto]

A compressor will fit, you will just need to make brackets.

Don't try to use original mini AC parts. It is the most expensive way to do it and new parts aren't cheap if they are even available.

I'm considering making AC kits since it comes up often. I'm going to fit a custom AC system to one of my minis just because I can.

[mab01uk]

Somerfield Mini still supply some classic Mini A/C parts but many are no longer available:-

https://www.somerfor...ir-conditioning

Edited by mab01uk, 17 January 2025 - 02:53 PM.

[Oldkartracer]

Welcome.
 
 
In an 850, you could probably get away with using it in town, and when going down hill.
 
To keep up with the traffic on the open road, may I suggest a poly-V belt drive to to the rear wheels from a couple of Briggs and Stratton ?

Shouldn't be an issue :). I live on a small island: no hills, and the speed limit is 35 on most roads. But locals spend most of the time stuck at 15 behind *%@#÷× golf carts!

Thanks all for the quick replies. I will study them all and I'm sure to be back with more questions.

[Ethel]

Golf carts, or similar, might be your best source of aircon goodies the only things that might be out of the ordinary are if you're running a dynamo or positive earth.

[gazza82]

Might be expensive to ship to US ...

https://www.carbuild...ning-heater-kit

And still needs a compressor and condensor!

Edited by gazza82, 17 January 2025 - 06:23 PM.

[Steam]

I doubt your area will get hotter than here in Aus. I do not need A/C here so doubt you would there. It would probably be worthwhile trying out some fans first. I found that face level air vents work very well. By tring fans in different locations you may find A/C is overkill.
The other thing to consider is that on hot days the Mini will already struggle with cooling nd adding extra load will make it worse.
On a different note there were / are numerous evap collers designed for cars since the 60's.

[Oldkartracer]

I doubt your area will get hotter than here in Aus. I do not need A/C here so doubt you would there. It would probably be worthwhile trying out some fans first. I found that face level air vents work very well. By tring fans in different locations you may find A/C is overkill.
The other thing to consider is that on hot days the Mini will already struggle with cooling nd adding extra load will make it worse.
On a different note there were / are numerous evap collers designed for cars since the 60's.

Trust me... 90°F plus 90% humidity is HOT! Swampcoolers would make that 100%. And I did buy a better radiator.

[Oldkartracer]

Universal Complete A/C Kits (USA):-
https://nostalgicac....plete-a-c-kits/
 
The above company in USA were working on developing a kit for the Austin Mini, so might be worth contacting.

I did not know about these guys and they're only a couple of hours from me. Once I start putting my Mini back together I think I will take her there and do some test fitting.

Thanks!