Looking for Frigiking a/c unit for 1971 280SL

[jond907]

Hello Pagoda enthusiasts,

I'm looking for the complete under dash a/c unit by Frigiking for a 280Sl. We are installing a/c on a customers car but having a hard time finding the Frigiking unit, which the customer asked for specifically.

[awolff280sl]

I have one.
PM me.

[doitwright]

Ask your customer if he would be interested in AC without the ADD-ON AC look. I am developing an integrated system that replaces all the original ventilation components and supplies cold air through the original dash vents. Original ventilation controls are adapted to control heat, AC, air distribution and fresh air.

[jond907]

In my opinion that would be ideal, that it comes integrated and a/c air comes out of the original ventilation, and no bulky a/c unit taking up leg room. However, this customer asked specifically for the frigiking unit. I will keep you in mind though, as we'll probably be doing more of these in the future. Do you have a restoration shop?

[Garry]

I pulled my unit out of my 230sl some years ago and gave it away.  I thought it looked exactly what it was, an after thought add on and just plain ugly. I would consider fitting an integrated unit. 

[dirkbalter]

Ask your customer if he would be interested in AC without the ADD-ON AC look. I am developing an integrated system that replaces all the original ventilation components and supplies cold air through the original dash vents. Original ventilation controls are adapted to control heat, AC, air distribution and fresh air.

Hi Frank,
I would be very interested in that too.
Pls let me (us) know what you come up with?

[doitwright]

Once I complete the fabrication and work out the kinks I will post my results. Several components are vacuum formed which require a mold to create. Then after fitting, adjustments get made. The end is in sight but much work left to do.

Having a car that is at the initial stages of reassembly makes it easier at this point but certain components like wiper linkage have presented certain challenges. But It is all getting worked out.

[EeVeeWee]

Hello Pagoda enthusiasts,

I'm looking for the complete under dash a/c unit by Frigiking for a 280Sl. We are installing a/c on a customers car but having a hard time finding the Frigiking unit, which the customer asked for specifically.

I have just finished a complete refurbish of a Frigiking under dash a/c unit.
It looks very nice now with several renewed parts and powder coated metal parts.
Let me know if you are interested.

[Garry]

Frank,


I am assuming that the units are left hand or right hand specific given the different positions of lots of the components under the dash and the instrument cluster.


Garry

[doitwright]

Frank,


I am assuming that the units are left hand or right hand specific given the different positions of lots of the components under the dash and the instrument cluster.


Garry

Gary,

I figured I would get a question like yours from a RHD owner. Since my car is LHD, I will be setting up for that configuration. When I started this project, my thought was to modify the original Vintage Air evaporator/heater core housing. Since then,I have decided to use their core but fabricate my own outer housing. The stock Vintage Air housing configuration would be better suited for a RHD W113 since it has the evaporator connections on the left side of the transmission tunnel. I soon realized I could flip the evaporator core so the connections would be on the right side of the tunnel which is better suited for LHD car.

So in answer to your question, I do not anticipate a problem with creating a system for the RHD cars but I need to know a few more details such as confirming that wiper linkage is the same, and the center of the radio/heater controls is the same. Interestingly, the radio/heater controls are not centered on the top speaker grill or the transmission tunnel.

BTW, my son leave for Sydney tomorrow. I just picked up some breathing masks for him in case he has a problem with the fires. He will be studying at a University for 5 months.

[Garry]

Thanks Frank.


I don’t have my car to check at the moment.  I am fairly certain the wipers are a major difference but not so sure about heaters, i thought they were centered so will have to check when i get my car back on 17th January from the post USA service


Smoke has been a big thing in Sydney recently and will be about for a month or more still and even to the end of summer.

[doitwright]

Thanks Frank.


I don’t have my car to check at the moment.  I am fairly certain the wipers are a major difference but not so sure about heaters, i thought they were centered so will have to check when i get my car back on 17th January from the post USA service


Smoke has been a big thing in Sydney recently and will be about for a month or more still and even to the end of summer.

Gary,

Does your car have the wiper motor on the right or left side?

[Garry]

Is on LH side with overflow bottle as the brake booster and steering has to go on the RH side.

[johnk]

Frank
Good luck with your son leaving for Sidney! What a great excuse for you to go there for a visit. My daughter did the same In Chile a few years ago. Skype really shrinks the distance in between. 

John

[doitwright]

Gary,

So the RHD and LHD wiper linkages are not the same. Good to know since I will need to confirm clearances since the linkage behind the heater controls move up and down and forward and backward as the wipers operate.

John,

Yes my wife, daughter and I plan to go to Sydney in February. Hopefully the smoke clears.

[Hermosa]

I have a complete Frigiking unit from a very late VIN 280SL.  I shipped the soft-top
to AU, a few years ago.  So, I'm certain the A/C can be packed-up as well.  Ciao.

[Benz Dr.]

A word of caution. I shipped a pair of AC units to the DR and UPS wanted 10 times more for brokerage than what they were worth. Just saying to be careful how you ship so that you don't end up with any surprises.

[Hermosa]

I really appreciate the heads-up.  If I recall, we used R&L to Australia.  I will confirm
with Ray Hays, who was instrumental in the packing and shipping process.  Perhaps
he will remember.  Some of the hardware is till here.  Hopefully, I can get those pieces
to AU and can keep the 'happy streak' going.  Maybe he is part of W113. 

[Fahad997]

I have just finished a complete refurbish of a Frigiking under dash a/c unit.
It looks very nice now with several renewed parts and powder coated metal parts.
Let me know if you are interested.

Is the under dash unit still available for sale ?
Thank you

[Bruce Rudin]

Any progress on your AC conversion? My car is currently in bare metal and fully stripped.  Blower and heat exchanger gone.  Now is the time, or at least getting close. My plan was to order the kit from Bud's Benz for all of the other new components but not order the under dash unit.