Driving down the hot highway, I was wondering if it's feasible to retrofit an AC unit to my '88 Accord (4cyl).

There are plenty of 86-89 Accords in the junkyards. Would it involve a lot more than adding some parts I could take off an old car?

Of course in California, the old freon is probably unobtainable.

Thanks for any thoughts....Lyle

 

First, please post in the correct section.

Yes you can do this. You will want to get a new drier that woks with 134a, as a min. Then one of the retro kits and go from there. Have one (89LXi) that is converted.

 

Honda use to have the kits and installation instructions for retro-fitting AC into the cars that didn't come with them. Can't easily find the instructions for that far back anymore.

 

Ahh, dang. Thanks Redbull-1, I need to read better.

OP-did the car come with ac? I was thinking you wanted to convert from r12 to r134a.....my bad

 

I think everyone mis-read or misunderstands what someone is asking every now and then.

 

Freon is still available, you just have to check around locally. If not, Ebay has it.

 

ackits.com has a complete kit,...but a bit pricy at $1000.

I think you can do better by finding used parts, at least the evaporator housing, thermostat, AC control panel, etc that are made for your model. You can purchase new/used compressor, condensor, evaporator, receiver/drier. Retrofit is way to go these days since at some point R12 will become unobtainable.

good luck

 

Yeah, if you're starting from NOTHING (DX has no A/C) it's better to build a R134a system because R12 is just going to get harder & harder ($$$$) to get.

 

Thanks for all the comments, guys. I dunno if I'll do this or not, but will probably price it out. Looking through the yards for used parts where I can, then buying new parts for a r134a system sounds like a good route.

Are there other vendors I should check with besides ackits.com? I'm thinking the right vendor would supply a little advice when I tried to piece together a new system.

Thanks...Lyle