Retrofitting A/C into a used VS.

Can someone please explain if it's possible to install A/C into a used VS? i live in Miami...A/C is a MUST HAVE.
How's it done?
Must the car be torn apart to accomplish this?
How much should I expect to pay to have it done?
thx in advance
bruce

Bruce, John Hallstrand has a system that he took off of his Vintage that I'm sure he would sell you. He sold the Vintage a couple of years ago, but still has the system.

Hey Bruce we should get together, I just bought a VS three weeks ago...No a/c but thinking about it. I AM also in Ft. Lauderdale....

antonio, definitely we should meet up. i hope to have my own car at some point in the coming month or two.
where in fll r u? i'd like to check out your car.

A /C is definitely doable. Had one in my JPS. I believe the Vintage rear frame and body are substantially similar. The secret was to find a compresser that is physically small. In my case an "Sandyne"(?) rotary compresser was used with a second pulley driving it directly off the crank. The condenser was located up front, horizontially, attached below the bumper support arms. How did it work? I don't even know! After 2 years of driving I hardly ever used it because I never put the top up. It don't do much with the top down in 100 degree weather! So I took it all out and returned it to JPS.

You definately don't want to try to use one of the old antique YORK VW compressors --- supposedly, they suck up 15-20 HP! A problem is where to mount with dual carbs, ensuring that the belt is lined up correctly and it doesn't vibrate excessively. I would think too that you would want an auxilliary oil cooler and thermostatically controlled electric fan on it. Sanyo is another brand of efficient rotary AC compressors.