A/C Replacement on 280SL

[KUMARB]

I am replacing the A/C unit on my 280SL,1971.

All the control wirings were cut up, old york compressor was frozen, and the hoses were in bad shape. Service records from previous owners indicate numerous complaints of no or insufficient cooling.

I have removed the old compressor, and bought a new Sanden 508 compressor with mounting bracket, a new condenser, and a new dryer. I am going to have the hoses custom-made locally. Evaporator coil appears to be in good shape and will be reused. I have two questions:

(1) The under-dash unit (FrigiKing) has a plastic frame which is brittle and has cracked in several places. Small pieces from ends have broken off. Where can I get a new plastic frame?

(2) I am going to discard the small condenser which is mounted inside the front bumper. This condenser was badly dented and corroded. I will install an auxiliary fan in front of the new condenser to make it more efficient. Does anyone have any experience installing an auxiliary fan? Is there enough space for an auxiliary fan?

I will appreciate any and all helpful advice.

[DavidBrough]

Hi Kumarb,

I have the Buds Benz kit in my car and managed to fit a small 6” fan in front of the condenser behind the grill, it is a very tight fit but will go in. I purchased a SPAL unit but I think most 6” units would fit. If you want to keep the Frigiking unit you may need to source a secondhand replacement or have your existing casing repaired as they have been out of production for some time.

Have a look here at my post of 12/8/07


http://index.php?topic=5944&whichpage=2



David Brough
1969 280SL with A/C & 3.46 Axle

[KUMARB]

Thanks to David Brough for responding to my question.

My auxiliary fan is 12" in diameter, and will give me a hard time going in. I am about to put them back together and will find out soon.

Plastic FrigiKing air-blower frame was very brittle and broke into pieces. I glued the pieces together using epoxy glue. and hope it holds.

Thanks again.

[hauser]

Kumarb, I noticed you're in Jax.  You should try to reach Ray Hays and see what he's done with his air conditioning.  He kept the inside unit but everything else is new.  It may also be a less expensive route than the Bud's unit.

[scoot]

quote:Originally posted by KUMARB


(1) The under-dash unit (FrigiKing) has a plastic frame which is brittle and has cracked in several places. Small pieces from ends have broken off. Where can I get a new plastic frame?

As best as I can tell, Frigiking and KuhlMeister are both the same thing, and made by Thermoking.  Parts are not available to the best of my knowledge.  I also want bits and pieces here and there, but I'm finding that no one is parting out the units but instead selling them as complete as possible for people who want to add AC to their car.  In particular, I have been looking for a set of MB-correct knobs (I have the right one, not the left one) and the little vents that are on the underside.  I have seen the entire underdash unit for sale on eBay but at a high price.  If you find a source for bits and pieces, please let me know.  Good luck, Scott

[awolff280sl]

David, I did not see a 6" fan on the SPAL website catalogue (smallest is 9"). Is this correct?