A/C Options for a 1977 e21 - Any suggestions? Does Vintage Air offer a solution?

[HMSPininfarina]

My '77 e21 is quickly turning into my daily driver and at some point in its life somone cut the compressor off of the car. It appears to have had A/C originally. Curious if there are any known solutions or aftermarket options. Original A/C parts have been difficult to source. Are there outside vendor option like Vintage Air or others?

This LA heatwave has tipped me over the edge. Thank you!

[Thecatmilton]

Contact Dave. He makes a bracket that allows you to install a sanden rotary ac compressor. People seem to like these brackets. I was going to buy one, but I ended up using a e30 318i bosch compressor and bracket instead. The sanden is the best option.

dave.hobiedave@gmail.com

[jaredmac11]

How do you like the E30 318i compressor? What condensor setup are you using? Sorry to hi-jack.. seems to align with the discussion

[Thecatmilton]

The e30 318i compressor is fine. New hoses are required with a low side fitting bent to a 45 degree angle to clear the frame. There was a noticeable increase in engine power and system efficiency. I bought the compressor and bracket on half off day and after I had hoses made, the setup cost around $100.

I had to "flush" my compressor before using it. I drained and refilled the oil, pointed the high side hose in a bucket, and ran it the compressor with a drill. I had to fill with oil 3 times until the oil sprayed out clean. I'm glad I did this as the oil was very contaminated with what I assume was rust /corrosion particles and other stuff. If you flush the rest of the system with acetone, you get the added benefit of knowing that the proper amount of oil is in the system.

System Pictures https://imgur.com/gallery/D9z3A

If I had the money available, I would have gone with the sanden. It's a more efficient modern design and you can get it new in box for a reasonable price. With the hoses made, bracket, and compressor you would be looking at around $300. The bosch compressor is fine, but it is a 34 year old compressor with an unknown history behind it.

[HMSPininfarina]

The e30 318i compressor is fine. New hoses are required with a low side fitting bent to a 45 degree angle to clear the frame. There was a noticeable increase in engine power and system efficiency. I bought the compressor and bracket on half off day and after I had hoses made, the setup cost around $100.

I had to "flush" my compressor before using it. I drained and refilled the oil, pointed the high side hose in a bucket, and ran it the compressor with a drill. I had to fill with oil 3 times until the oil sprayed out clean. I'm glad I did this as the oil was very contaminated with what I assume was rust /corrosion particles and other stuff. If you flush the rest of the system with acetone, you get the added benefit of knowing that the proper amount of oil is in the system.

System Pictures https://imgur.com/gallery/D9z3A

If I had the money available, I would have gone with the sanden. It's a more efficient modern design and you can get it new in box for a reasonable price. With the hoses made, bracket, and compressor you would be looking at around $300. The bosch compressor is fine, but it is a 34 year old compressor with an unknown history behind it.

It would be great to to get a list of essential parts to rebuild the a/c to the firewall. Hugely appreciate your quick advice before I overspend at Vintage Air.

[HMSPininfarina]

Do you know anyone on the forum that's used his bracket on an e21?

[Thecatmilton]

Use the search function. Several e21 and 2002 people have used it. I think it is a clone of the clardy mfg ac bracket. If you searched the email in google or hobie dave you will find more info.

[HMSPininfarina]

It would be great to to get a list of essential parts to rebuild the a/c to the firewall. Hugely appreciate your quick advice before I overspend at Vintage Air.

Does anyone know which Sanden Compressor works with the HobieDave bracket? Not sure about where to get it.

[HMSPininfarina]

Does anyone know which Sanden compressor works with Dave's bracket?