After Market Air Conditioning 1964 230SL

[revrevrev]

Hi Friends!

Has anyone installed AC in their 230?
What units would you recommend - or not?
Which supplier would you consult?
Can any AC shop do this or is it too difficult?

Mine is a daily driver so I am not a stickler for OE

Any advice is appreciated-

Chris+

[doitwright]

Have you done a search on these forums? So much has been discussed on AC. In brief, Kuehlmeister and Frigiking were the 2 systems commonly installed by US MB dealers for new purchase customers. There are a few companies such as Buds Benz, VintageAir and ClassicAuto air that offer modern versions of these same systems. A shop knowledgeable in either AC or vintage Mercedes should be able to fit one in a car. Some people on these forums have cautioned fitting AC to the 230 due to concerns over the strength of the crankshaft. I have seen 230's fired with AC and would think that if you are using a rotary (Sanden) compressor rather than the original commonly fitted piston (York) compressor, you should be fine. 2 holes through the firewall on the passenger side for left hand drive cars will need to be added plus a hole for the condensate drain added to the floor.

FWIW, I currently have an integrated AC system in development which does away with the bulkhead below the dash and utilizes the existing dash vents. It replaces the existing heater core and ventilation system. Other than that, I do not have much else to reveal at this time.

[dirkbalter]

Chris,

As Frank already said, much written about the subject. Below link may help.

https://www.budsbenz.com/catalog/230-250-280-sl/z-air-conditioning

[Vander]

I am located in Columbus, OH and have experience installing the Bud's Benz system. I will try and upload some pictures tomorrow of a 280SL we installed it in.

[dirkbalter]

I am located in Columbus, OH and have experience installing the Bud's Benz system. I will try and upload some pictures tomorrow of a 280SL we installed it in.

That would be much appreciated.

[Charles 230SL]

hello Chris, I've got a 64 230SL (chassis 003548) that Bud's installed AC on about 7 yrs ago. They did a great job.
Since then I've logged almost 27K miles on the car and I can count on one hand the number of times I've used the AC, but I don't have enough fingers and toes to count the number of times I've cursed myself for having had it installed. If you have AC you'll find it's a hassle working on the alternator, tightening belts, changing the air filter, replacing water pump, fixing little coolant leaks behind that large adapter plate, or any other menial maintenance task where that compressor and/or evaporator hoses are sure to be in the way. 
I use the hardtop throughout the winter months (AC not needed) and my soft-top is always down during the summer months (not feasible to use AC). Those very few times I've used the AC was when I got caught in a rain shower (summer months) and had to stop and quickly raise the top. I used the AC to get the heat and humidity out of the car and believe me, it was nice having air conditioning those few times...but was it worth it? in my opinion, nope.  If I were 40yrs younger I'd probably feel different about it. For all those who disagree with me, sorry to rain on the parade..  

[doitwright]

Charles 230SL - I'm surprised that living in Georgia that you would not have more need for AC but it seems you just prefer driving with the top down. When I had my 911 Targa, I too preferred driving with the top off although the sun fried my bald head. I had purchased an AC kit for that car and never installed it before selling the car. But, if I had AC, I would have used it and I am in Chicago.

Chris+ - Buds Benz uses their version of the "sedan bracket" which allows the alternator to remain in the original top location. This setup is only possible when using the smaller rotary compressor. When using the beast bracket that was used with the Frigiking and York compressor, the alternator had to be relocated down to make room for the larger compressor. Search "sedan bracket" on this forum.

[Vander]

Here is a Bud's Benz kit we installed.

[Vander]

Under dash unit.

[Benz Dr.]

hello Chris, I've got a 64 230SL (chassis 003548) that Bud's installed AC on about 7 yrs ago. They did a great job.
Since then I've logged almost 27K miles on the car and I can count on one hand the number of times I've used the AC, but I don't have enough fingers and toes to count the number of times I've cursed myself for having had it installed. If you have AC you'll find it's a hassle working on the alternator, tightening belts, changing the air filter, replacing water pump, fixing little coolant leaks behind that large adapter plate, or any other menial maintenance task where that compressor is sure to be in the way. 
I use the hardtop throughout the winter months (AC not needed) and my soft-top is always down during the summer months (not feasible to use AC). Those very few times I've used the AC was when I got caught in a rain shower (summer months) and had to stop and quickly raise the top. I used the AC to get the heat and humidity out of the car and believe me, it was nice having air conditioning those few times...but was it worth it? in my opinion, nope.  If I were 40yrs younger I'd probably feel different about it. For all those who disagree with me, sorry to rain on the parade..

Finally, someone who understands.......

[revrevrev]

Wonderfully informative! Esp Frank and Charles - I really appreciate the time -

[Garry]

I am with Charles. I don’t think air conditioning is necessary as in winter with top up its heater and in summer its top down so a wasted effort. If it is that hot i need air conditioning, e.g. 100+f then i am not driving my Pagoda anyway.
I actually removed the air conditioner unit and it’s ancillary items from my 230sl when i got it.  I think they are ugly, take HP to run and i don’t think my 230 liked the extra stress of running it.

[Benz Dr.]

I am with Charles. I don’t think air conditioning is necessary as in winter with top up its heater and in summer its top down so a wasted effort. If it is that hot i need air conditioning, e.g. 100+f then i am not driving my Pagoda anyway.
I actually removed the air conditioner unit and it’s ancillary items from my 230sl when i got it.  I think they are ugly, take HP to run and i don’t think my 230 liked the extra stress of running it.

The 230SL crank isn't that strong. I've seen them crack and break off.

 Wow! two owners that understand.....

[revrevrev]

Frank - I'd be interested in learning more about your unit once you get it ready for prime time

[Merc_Girl]

Sorry to disagree with some of my respected forum friends

Though not installed air con in my 230sl, as yet!, I have had many (more modern convertibles) and have used the air con with the hood (roof) up and down (attempt to reduce global warming 😂). And I live in the UK, even a less of a reason to have air con if we look at the parameters set out by others!

Whilst I cannot vouch for the efficiency of the older air con units compared to the new, I’m certainly looking to go for it but tempted to go for a Frankenstein version, with a Frigiking unit in the cockpit but an electronic air con under the bonnet (hood). Whether this can be done I will let folk know, but a longer term project for me

Katie

[ja17]

Apparently crankshaft end damage was not uncommon back then on 230SLs with AC. If you add AC to a 230SL think about upgrading to the crankshaft stretch bolt and three spring washer arrangement as used on the later engines. New or larger dowel pins can also be fitted. The procedure is covered in the early BBB page 03-10/3 and 03-10/4. The new rotary compressors create a lot less strain on the pully/dampener than the original upright compressors. These changes can minimize the risk of damage.

[Benz Dr.]

I'm seeing more and more of this lately and I'm not picking on anyone in particular, but why ask for advice and then wait until you only hear the answer you want? There are plenty of people who know these cars really well around here and should be listened to in general. 

[lreppond]

I’m in total agreement with Charles and Dan on this topic.  When my dad bought the car new it came with a dealer installed FrigiKing unit.  It’s performance was subpar from the day dad drove the car home.  Less than a year later, he and I removed the entire unit from the car!  It still sits in the same box we stored it in nearly fifty years ago. 

These cars were NEVER designed nor engineered to be air conditioned.  The after market units look exactly like an awkward afterthought.  Add in to that poor performance and what’s the point?  Maybe the Budz Benz units work better but certainly they have the same awkward add-on look. 

I live in a mild climate.  The hardtop is almost always off and the soft top is either up or down depending on the weather. The heater is very useful especially at night if the top is down.  Apart from that, on a scorching hot day I don’t drive the Pagoda. 

Were I looking for an a/c unit, I’d be inclined to see with Frank comes up with.  With modern technology and using the existing outlets it may just be a perfect solution. 

[scoot]

INSTALL the A/C.  Those who say you don't need it are wrong.   My 2 cents.

[dirkbalter]

INSTALL the A/C.  Those who say you don't need it are wrong.   My 2 cents.

Scott, I agree. Lol

[MATT230]

Hi,
I was reading this thread in search for information on AC alternartives for my 230 and I saw this post.
Have you managed to create a system that integrates to the original system?
If so, I would be extremely interested since any aftermarket, including the original dealership installed ones are horrendous and totally ruin the perfection of the w113's interior.
thank you in advance for your time and consideration.
best regards,
Matt

[RAY]

I think there are quite a few members waiting in anticipation of Franks "integral"  AC system.

[doitwright]

At some point in the next month I will post a few photos and explain where things stand on the integrated A/C development. I am at a point where the major components have been fabricated and test fitted. There are still many smaller details to be worked out. They will get worked out. Just need to determine how.
I can say it this point, my design will only fit LHD vehicles. That is not to say that a system based on the same design principles could not be made, but several components would need to be a mirror image of the LHD to fit a RHD car.

[mdsalemi]

I have been looking forward to Frank’s solution for a while…as Frank has been as well!

Many cars of the same era, including American cars had aftermarket air conditioning. It was always a marginal, dicey kind of thing. I believe at least in the case of American cars, it was so ugly because it was a reminder of how cheap you were not to get it from the factory at the start. Just like when you were too cheap to not order a clock with the car, they just left a clock face without numbers in your dashboard. Of course, the Pagoda never came from the factory with air conditioning, but with so many of my trips in the Pagoda being very long highway trips in the hot weather of summer, air conditioning would be a welcome addition.

PS: I was guilty as well of being too cheap. I didn’t get it on my new 1979 BMW, because it pushed the car into unaffordability. I regretted not trying to figure out a way to afford it at the start. While the car was mostly comfortable to drive, in the heat of summer, it was not.