Dear experts, newbie here.
My 1970 series 1 comes without airconditioner.
What is the best practice way to retrofit an airconditioner in it?
Do I need custom compressor bracket? Or can I use brackets from S3?
Do I expect complicated job of dash removal?

Thanks in advance for any input and recommendations!

 

Wow. That is ambitious. Do you have a donor car? It's very tight behind the dashboard. You might look into a Vintage Air unit. If I was in your situation I would definitely go that route. They are very efficient and sold as a package so everything works. They are hugely popular in the hot rod community. Of course the compressor bracket on the engine would be a stock Jaguar part.

There are how to videos on YouTube for removing the dashboard and there is a video on the Delanaire unit out of the car. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.

Jeff

 

I think Jay Leno puts Vintage Air units in all his cars. They have a good reputation but are probably not cheap.

 

The vintage air system works perfectly but is A LOT of work and a very tight fit.. You will need to do some cutting of sheet metal behind the dash, so that’s something you need to think about.

I did did a post on my conversion about a yr ago. Search for that to see what’s involved.

 

Thank you! Will search your post!

 

If you want lots of pictures and information, check out the post from Kriss Motors.com. Their post is VERY complete
and shows all that has to be done...https://krissmotors.com/XJ6/category/temperature-manag

I have had all the AC/heat stuff out of my S1 Jag a couple of times...next is a Vintage Air conversion very similar to
Kriss's. I will just change the control locations and not modify the dash as they did. I have their Electronic Heater
Servo Kit installed now, a Sanden compressor and all the under hood stuff completed.

 

Good information and wow---what a blog!

 

Thank you baudrate and Roger,

These are awesome info, Retrofitting while keeping the factory heating and fresh/recirc valve functions is definitely the most sophisticated job. I just didn't realize the level complication surrounding it. I don't even dare to imagine how much does it cost?
Is there any other simpler option you guys did for S1?
I heard about installing trunk evaporator, is this recommended? Or install dual front and trunk evaporator? (smaller BTU unit to the front to avoid major surgery to the firewall and added secondary unit into trunk)?

Appreciate all inputs from fellow experts

 

Your earlier car came with the AC evaporator in the trunk (69-70) and the rear vents facing forward to flow air into the cabin. Buying all the proper stock equipment would be the "easiest way". I have never seen this early stuff for sale today. None of this is "cheap" unless you can do the work and save the large labor charges. My parts "book/CD" does not even show pictures of the earlier cars...I am sure there is a owner who has one that could supply the needed information.

Or, as you say, install a under dash aftermarket unit in front of the passenger and add the needed items under the hood.