Retro Fit Air Con to a 1986 SL 107???

[homemark]

Just bought a lovely Anthracite Grey, 1 owner, 53,000 mile 500 SL.

Problem is, I really want air con and can't seem to get a straight answer as to if and who can retro fit it.

I'm in London - anyone know of anyone reliable who specialises in such a job?

Whilst writing, a new set of alloys wouldn't be good. Anyone know where in the UK I can get some?

 

[32718]

aircon 500SL

Try Boxer motorworks in Ashford, Middx 01784251233 they are an independent Merc specialist who also specialise in a/c. They are currently rebuilding the engine on my '85 380SL (the timing chain jumped) and will also convert my a/c to non cfc while the engine is out.

A word of caution this is a major plumbing job so if not done right can seriously damage your engine.

For wheels try
Paul Montgomery
Montys Wheels & Tyres
01753 440006

I recently bought a set of flat faced alloys complete with new tires from them (around £600) , and they came to my house to fit them.


Hope this helps


Sam

 

[homemark]

Thanks

I tried the air con people but, like some other companies I've spoken to, whoever was making an aftermarket kit a few years back has stopped supplying it.

Any other ideas anyone?

Thanks for the wheel contact - I'll try that tomorrow.

Mark.

 

[DWB!]

107 AC

Mark

Did you get any further with the AC?

...or has anyone else any got thoughts on this (the AC not whether Mark got any further)?

Cheers,
DWB!

 

[Arnie]

It may be expensive, but I am sure that MB can still supply all the parts required and they will probably be able to work with the newer CFC free gases.

What you really need are the condensor, evaporator and expansion units and all the plumbing (pipes and hoses), which you should be able to get from MB. Get your dealer to print-out one of those exploded, parts diagram from the parts catalog or CD, so that you can see all the parts.

The compressors are sized for cooling capacity, but are all pretty much alike as long as you get the support brackets, belt and pulleys from MB.

Then you will need the control electrics, which will be a thermostat and a few relays, but here a wiring diagram will help and some of the wiring may already exist in the car. You may also require an additional electric fan to cool the condensor, which usually sits infront of the car radiator.

Otherwise, I think that there was a Japanese manufacturer that supplied upgrade kits (new R143a-type compressors, etc) for most vehicles. It was advertised on US websites quite a lot.

Anyway, as you can see, a retrofit requires quite a bit of work. I have seen prices of between £1,000 and £2,000 quoted by dealers to retrofit A/C systems with OEM factory parts.


PS:

You can also get airconditioning, just by opening the roof.