Volvo RWD 120-130 Forum

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Add Air Conditioning to a 122? 120-130

Has anyone added air conditioning to a 122 that had never had it?

The previous owner gave me some parts (such as a brand new condensor and a generic air handler) but I'm wondering where other success stories got their parts. What modifications need to be made?

Summer is coming and my car feels like an oven in the sun.








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    Add Air Conditioning to a 122? 120-130

    If you have the opportunity place some heat reflective insulation between the roof and headliner it makes a huge difference in our dark green wagon. The original factory units were huge under dash units that were installed at the dealer and can be found in many other US cars from the 60's. Replacing the compressor with a modern one will be more effecient than the lawn mower size original. So if your looking for a cheaper option seek out an old one in a parts yard, replace the fan blower motor and use the rest of the modern parts, however it still won't compare to a modern Vintage Air unit.
    I have an original under the dash unit that I can measure for you if you want to compare...still has the install sticker from june 1966 in phoenix!

    Good luck.
    -Erik








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    Add Air Conditioning to a 122? 120-130

    I called Vintage Air in San Antonio and they make a universal kit that bolts to the bottom on the dash and hangs down. It costs $850 and you still need to find a bracket that was originally used with a York Compressor or have one fabricated.

    This route seems too pricey and (depending on what it looks like hanging from the dash) awkward for me. But it would be a modern system that would probably work great and accept the current refrigerant. Anybody else have a Vintage Air system?








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      Add Air Conditioning to a 122? 120-130

      I've been looking at that one too.. pretty nice. I like the Mini Spacesaver model 01000 better though. Looks like it will fit in the dash right above the passenger footwell, or possibly right in the center behind the dash with the existing heater and defroster equipment removed. I haven't built a mockup yet to check shifter clearance.

      For compressor mounts, expand your search to AC equipped 140s. I got one of those recently and it came attached to a B20F and A J-Type OD for $150. Not bad I guess!

      Didja checkout that vertical Pro-Line control panels? At 2.5 by 4.7 it is just about the right fit for the 122 dash!

      Maybe they cost a ittle more overall, but VA seems to have a heck of a good reputation!

      I have a friend that has a VA system in a 29 A sedan and it is terrific. FREEZE yur butt out cold air! Superb service after the sale too. Definitely not a fly by night operation!








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      Add Air Conditioning to a 122? 120-130

      Vintage Air makes some awsome products. Jack Chisenhall (the owner) is a really nice guy too. I've installed a unit in a 53 Studebaker. Install went great with no problems whatsoever.

      Chris







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