Adding A/C - options?

[noahthefrog]

My car is an '89 Tercel EZ, which did not come with Air Conditioning or any other "extra" features. I've tinted the windows and installed circular fans blowing on me, which worked fine until temps got into the 90's. I seriously need some A/C or to rig up something to keep cool. It's gets humid when it gets hot here, so evaporative (swamp) coolers are of no help.

I know that adding a traditional compressor-based aftermarket system is possible, but I can't afford it. I haven't found any used OEM systems that still function, and I've heard that converting an R12 to R134a gives worse cooling performance than a system made for R134a - so that idea doesn't look very promising.

Here's what I really want, but I could just buy a summer car for the same money (that I don't have)...
http://www.dcairco.com/products.html <- 9000BTU, costs $4000
or
http://www.sunpowertech.com/rv.htm <- 5000BTU, costs $4000

Here's what I don't want to have to do for obvious reasons, but it is in the budget and I've already got a 1kW inverter...
http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/11/g...at-texas-heat/

This looks promising, but will use so much ice I'm skeptical that it's worthwhile. Maybe if I could install an ice maker in the car too...
http://www.instructables.com/id/Portable-12V-Air-Conditioner---Cheap-and-easy!/

I've also been thinking about a direct human cooling system using an ice chest and rubber tubes under my seat-cover, pumping the ice water through the tubes and cooling me directly. My concern is that if my sitting on it pinches the tubes, water can't go through. Also, ice consumption will probably be high.

Has anyone tried any of this stuff or have any other potential solutions?

[96paseo]

If you can find one with A\C in the JY, gut it and start your setup from there. Get the all the parts including the compressor bracket. You'll need the relay logic controller that goes in the center console its got the a/c push button and other goodies. Relay wiring plus a third fan relay will need to be added/re-wired since the a/c setup uses three relays to control the fans plus the pressure witch needs to be wired in. R-12 can be replaced with R-414B(hot shot) as a drop in but add some mineral oil to the system before closing it up. Hot shot isn't available in auto parts stores so you'll need a CFC license or know someone who has one to get it.

[noahthefrog]

Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately I have been unable to find a dead Tercel with working A/C parts around here.

I think I found my solution, but I probably won't have the money for it until summer is over since it will require a larger alternator. I think I'll just strap one of these or something like it into the back seat and run it through my kW inverter: http://www.air-n-water.com/product/ky-80.htm

I'm still interested in any other low-cost ideas anyone has to solve my cooling dilemma.

[bkftl]

You dont need a tercel. You can get a setup from any simular "small" vehicle. Just by size, and cars ive seen you can even use a Small SUV.

Main thing is the AC must run of something, like a Harmonic blancer. If your harmonic balancer has an extra empty wheel for a belt thats great. If not you will need to reinstal one from another car with a simular size. Tercel higher year that had AC is a good choice. Simular car might be ford festiva, that tihng is TINEY. Kia Sportage old model, Kia Rio they all have a simular type of ac system, im not sure on the belt, u have to check that out. Tercel 94 belt crossection is shaped like this UUUU with i think 4 teeth that never end. U will have to mess with the harmonic balancer some. On my tercel i "took" it appart, at least the AC part can be taken off with 4 bolts in the middle. Getting to the harmonic balancer is another story JY guy said they usualy just DROP the engine down some and get to it

Once ur aC pump has rotation The hardest part i think is wiring offcourse. U mostly need just a switch to turn it on and off, the pump will rotate and idle regardless. Once its turned on ur ac pump kicks in. U need some relays for that, im not realy good with electronics, i cant get the damn ac to work on my car.

The next annoyance is the PIPING and radiator. From what ive heard there has to be COMPLETE VACUME inside the pump and tubing in order for the AC to cool properly. I think thats what the 2 nipples in the tubing are for... im not sure, maybe u bleed it???. Safest bet is to get a working AC set COMPLETE of a donor car. U will have to bend the alluminum pipes so they fit into ur car. They simply run from the heater box to the AC radiator and around agian like veins. Theres some otheres im not sure maybe. Pipes can be bend eazily and also brocken. Im sure u can bend em nice and slow into any shape, without breaking em, it cant be that hard.

AC has to go to ur heater box, or just leak cold air inside it somehow, im not sure i havent expored the deeps of the heater box assembly yet...

I hope that helps. Im not sure that mobile AC thing is a good idea. It might die cuz of the vibration alone?

Goodluck to ya i hope i helped you decide what to do.