Volkswagen: A/C 78 Super Beetle, gilmore enterprises, air cooled vw

Question
1. How complicated is it to diagnose an A/C system on this vehicle?
2. Is it worth the time to reinvest in it?
3. If not, are there any alternatives?
4. If so, what would the primary part cost if we had to replace?
5. Can you get a manual on this? We have on for the car, but would like more details on the A/C.


Answer
Hi Danny

Here are the answers to your questions:

1) It is not difficult to diagnose at all.  The original compressor is a one-piston unit which delivers so-so air at it's peak performance. (I have a '78 Conv. Super Beetle myself with the dealer-installed A/C).  I've always kept it working, but again, it's so-so.

2) Yes, it VERY much worth the time and money to re-invest in it.  Due to the rising value of the late 70's fuel injected VW's,  it is not unwise to spend $1,500 on getting your A/C fixed. (if you have a nice, sound VW).  It adds to the value, and working A/C is extremely rare in an air cooled VW.

3) Yes there is a great alternative.  There is an outfit in Clearwater, Fla. that produces parts and full systems to 'chill out your car'.  The place promises almost a 30 degree drop in temperature from outside!   The system looks extremely similar to the original.

Here is the link:

http://gilmore-enterprises.net/GH/index.htm

(Ask for the owner, Ed. It's best to speak with him...he knows his stuff).  Plus, he's a very nice guy to talk VW A/C with.

4) I do know of a place that sells copies of the part manuals for those old VW A/C systems.  I think it costs about $30-40 for the reprint and covers 73-79 Super Beetles.   As I recall, it's an exploded view of each part, it's name and part number. (although no longer made).  If you are interested in that, let me know and I'll hunt down the contact information.

Best of luck, and let me know what you end up doing!

Ron