Tops and AC

Deanr · #1 (**permalink**) 02-05-2004, 09:43 AM

Important questions.

How neccessary are tops and AC for Cobras in AZ. I plan to to build a street driver once out there with a 351C for power. Also for cooling I've noticed alot of cars with "2 row" radiators would a 4 row be better suited for the valley. I've lived there previously and I'm prepared to put in AC but would like to know what some of your setups are and if you have AC what are the install issues.

I'm planning on using the Unique kit. If anyone has experiences, positive/negative, let me know.

Dean

mikiec · #2 (**permalink**) 02-05-2004, 11:37 AM

There are 2 cars here with A/C that I know about. One uses a soft top the other a hard top. Both say it does a reasonable job of cooling. The main culprit in getting a good cooling from the A/C is to eliminate all external air from coming into the cockpit. That should not be a problem with your unique. Insulate the footboxes and cockpit.

As far as the radiator. Most of the small block guys do use a 2 core without problems. However, I suggest a 4 core if going with A/C.

I can get you the email address of the 2 guys that installed that have A/C installed.

Look forward to meeting you when you arrive here in sunny AZ.

Mike

Bruce Edwards · #3 (**permalink**) 02-05-2004, 11:42 AM

Here in Florida AC is a must in summer. We use a small unit that moves a fair amout of air and does a good job keeping the insides cool. At least as cool as you can get with a black soft top.

ItBites · #4 (**permalink**) 02-05-2004, 12:14 PM

I have a Vintage Air A/C system in my Midstates. It is not like riding in a sealed, new car, but the air does an acceptable job of knocking the edge off the heat.

The Vintage Air system really does a good job and is about as good as a modern new car A/C. The top and the leaks are the main reason it doesn't get frigid in the cockpit...

Only real downside is the compressor and hoses clutter the engine bay. Most folks don't notice the condenser and think they're looking at the front of the radiator. BTW, I spin the belt set to 7500 or so and have had no belt problems going around the compressor (at least with A/C off - never tried it while operating the A/C).

I also recall I have a 2-row radiator, but it's a special 2-row (about the thickness of a four row) with very wide rows and narrow-set fins for additional cooling. I think its a Griffin? I hear BeCool makes a very good radiator. My BBC Vette has a Ron Davis radiator (He's in Phoenix) - I think it is a two row, but each row is >1 inch thick and it's huge.

One of the cooling keys is to build a box off the back of the radiator that seals to your fan well and use a good fan. I recommend Spal fans, but do not have one yet on the Cobra. Some of my buddies run only Spal fans on their 900+HP blown BBC motors and I've seen them to be very good air movers.

Fitz · #5 (**permalink**) 02-05-2004, 12:49 PM

Email your address and I can discuss what I did with mine. Yes get "Air" or you will be sweating your butt off and sitting in your house in the summer waiting (at night) for the temp to drop below 100 at 9PM so you can go take a ride.

Mike is right about getting your top as insulated as possible around the edges. You are going to loose a lot of air around the side windows and windsheld areas and out the back and around your doors if you don't. Vintage is about the best.

For sure get the largest radiator you can fit and do the oil cooler thing too. I am running about 190 but it quickly goes to over 200 if you are driving in slow traffic.

I was driving up Scottsdale road when the traffic was stop and go. Well I got home and my lower lip had dried up and peeled right off my face.

maxrpm · #6 (**permalink**) 02-05-2004, 01:12 PM

I asked a a question about A/C in a cobra a few weeks ago and someone posted a nice link to an A/C co. Nice photos of the components and installation. I don't know how to connect one thread to another but I can tell you it was post #433269...A/C Cobra.
I thought nobody sweats in Az...not true?

I didn't have the nerve to tell you to do a search so I did it for you...thanks again, S.L.
www.qualityroadsters.com/access_page.html

Deanr · #7 (**permalink**) 02-05-2004, 08:14 PM

Thanks for the info. I was anticipating the addition of the AC unit just not looking forward to the additional weight and clutter.

The main culprit in getting a good cooling from the A/C is to eliminate all external air from coming into the cockpit. That should not be a problem with your unique

--Why would this be less of a problem on the Unique body?