AC or no AC?

Thought I

There is no single solution for a/c that works for everyone. The upside, of course, is comfort. The downside is that you will likely have an air-cooled engine that alreay runs hotter on hot days. Then you add the load of an a/c compressor to make the engine work even harder. The rule of thumb for commercial fishing boats is that you lose one hole for refrigeration. This means that a 6-cylinder engine is now 5, a 4-cylinder engine is now 3, etc. For effective a/c, you need some extra, available power from your engine.

Hopefully you will get some input from those who live in your area. They can tell you the number of days they wish they had a/c, and you can fine-tune your decision. Best of luck in whatever you decide.

It is possible, but talk to any good VW mechanic and I think they'd recommend against it. Here's a real basic starting point for your research and I'll bet you can find much, much more:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070511103754AAf2R7B

Plus I have heard this is a source for parts:

http://www.iceac.com/

Personally, I'd avoid it it if you could. Just my opinion. Carey should be able to give you his two cents worth.

Joe, I was where you were 2 years ago. Molding & A/C weren't questions I had, but I had many more. The folks here helped me spec out my Beck and resulted in a great car and a nervous tick for Carey :-) https://www.speedsterowners.com/forum/readmsg.asp?t=17759

Joe, as a resident of Charleston, SC I have to chuckle when I hear you describe summer days in Mass. as "muggy". I've lived in the south all my life, and Charleston tops 'em all for "muggy". I have a Beck, and do not have A/C. When moving, it's fine. When stuck in traffic... well, those are the times when I leave it at home and take the daily driver. I really think A/C will not be worth the problems it will cause.

Joe:

I live in Grafton (near Worcester) and KNOW about New England summers. I've also been living just south of Lane in South Carolina, so I know what THAT's like, too. Don't listen to Lane. Muggy in Framingham is MUCH worse than down here. It just doesn't last ALL SUMMER like down here, but when it it's hot in Framingham, it's just as hot.

Go for the A/C. The car will handle it and you won't regret it.

It would be a shame to keep the Speedster in the garage because it was too hot or muggy. I'm with Gordon, get the A/C for when you really need it. Kinda like the radio thing, its better to have it an not need it than need it and not have it.

...I'm just saying...

A/C is a must! Nothing like cruising with the Top down with cold air condition blowing on you One thing you have to turn up the idle on the carbs while idling at traffic lights and in traffic I notice it is a little harder on the motor. I love my A/C in Vintage Speedster!

Aloha, Kawika

Me and Lane, or is it Lane and I agree on plenty of things...
we both have red Becks too.

You could drive faster, wind chill don't you see...

Just when I thought I had made a decision

You'll find most discussions around here become "lively" at some point. Welcome to the Madness!

Are you coming to Carlisle this year? I really recommend it, as you'll be able to get your Speedster fix even if your car isn't ready. It's well worth the trip, but decide soon as hotels rooms are becoming scarce.

I

Joe, IMHO, it's better to get some time behind the wheel to sort out some initial gremlins before making the trek to Carlisle anyway.