411 air conditioning

[peter dowdle]

Need advice please on where and how to install an air conditioning compressor on my 411. The normal place for Chrysler products is the centre of the V at the top of the engine. Adapter kits are readily available to suit a variety of compressors but this system does not fit because the alternator brackets are in the way.
Chrysler mount the alternator above the fuel pump which would clear the way but the original alternator would foul the power steering and unless I can find a very compact alternator this will not work. Any advice would be much appreciated.

[Geoff Kingston]

Peter
Hopefully someone will come up with a photograph of the original installation, I removed the compressor on my 411 years ago as it was seized up, it was a York unit if I remember correctly and what I do remember was that it was located to the left of the V of the engine if viewed from the front.
I am sure their would be better options available today than this unit.
Geoff.

[Xseries]

Herewith some engine bays from some cars that might just help!

[Geoff Kingston]

Third from left photo shows a different and neater solution to the set up that was on my 411. On My car the compressor sat in the position of the alternator in that photograph. One of the things to bear in mind on trying to set this up is that all sorts of mounting brackets and drive belts were used over the years and it would be better to try and find a solution that worked in period for Chrysler rather than what Bristol did originally, I may be wrong but I doubt any US car had the same AC compressor fitted that Bristol used.
A trip to a breaker dealing in older US cars may pay dividends and ordering what you need directly from the states could save you quite a bit of money now Bristol Cars are no longer around to help.

[peter dowdle]

Thank you Xseries unfortunately the photo to the right is a 411 but is fitted
with a later smaller block motor. The middle photo I am not sure what motor it is, note the dip stick is not in the correct place for a 383. The left photo gives some small idea as to where it is mounted.The choice of compressors isnt easy as most modern compact units would be ideal but come with the wrong pully. The best I have found so far is off an Early Toyota Hi Lux. This could easily be mounted near the alternator and move the alternator to a position near the fuel pump but so far I havnt found one small enough to fit.

[peter dowdle]

Geoff if your compressor was mounted where the alternator is shown where was your alternator moved too?

[Geoff Kingston]

Peter,
It is on the right hand side of the engine viewed from the front with the power steering pump below it.
Geoff.

[paul robert]

If it is of any interest I can show you the set up in my 75 Interceptor. My 411 does not have A/C and I do not intend to install one.
We've had the Interceptor in the family since new so i've witnessed all the ups/ downs and lessons to be learned.
The A/C never was very effective which I always found strange because American cars are normally known for blowing icecold.
The one you describe is standard Chrysler (twin piston I believe) ware, heavy and eats a lot of power.
Some years ago I bought a complete kit with a Sanden compressor. Bolts right in, much lighter better performance and less power consuming. It also looks better. I think I paid around £950 for the kit at a UK shop catering exclusively to Jensens.
The condenser sits in front of the radiator on top of an engine oil cooler and the fans are pull fans sitting in the original shroud behind the radiator but quite close. I long ago changed the Kenlowes for Audi units of the same diameter.
I looked at the 411 and I think it'll fit in with a minimum amount of fettling.
If it helps I can take some pics tomorrow.
Paul

[Kevin H]

Paul,
I would be very interested to see some pictures of your AC system.

I had a Vintage Air system installed on my 411 about 20 years ago, but it was a bit of a bodge job and the compressor did not bolt straight onto the intake manifold or the block.

I had an engine rebuild done by a Jensen specialist who convinced me to go with the original Chrysler AC compressor. It is a more tidy installation, but it's performance was very poor by comparison. It also resulted in the power steering pump being at a 45 degree angle which is far from ideal. I later asked Vintage Air about this and they said the modern compressors are far superior in performance.


Regards,
Kevin

[paul robert]

Hello Kevin,
Here goes. Remember this is a LHD Interceptor with a 440. But the kits fit RHD as well and all brackets and bolt on points are the same as on 383.
The kit came with all bits needed, brackets hoses, dryer, condenser, the lot and was a doddle to install.Please note I have a higher output alternator and have a similar one on the 411 but mounted on the other side of course.
The fan shroud is original Jensen with newer Bosch fans off an Audi. the rubber flap let air though at speed but the fans pull them closed when they're on.
As I said the condenser sits in front of the radiator but does not have its own fan. Hope this helps, best Paul

[peter dowdle]

Kevin

I have had brackets made up to install the vintage air compressor to our motors.They bolt slightly to the right of the thermostat housing in the valley.I can have extra sets made quite easily and cheaply if you wish. This setup requires the alternator to be moved to the left of the motor above the steering box.

[Kevin H]

Sorry about the delayed responses!

Originally Posted by peter dowdle

Kevin

I have had brackets made up to install the vintage air compressor to our motors.They bolt slightly to the right of the thermostat housing in the valley.I can have extra sets made quite easily and cheaply if you wish. This setup requires the alternator to be moved to the left of the motor above the steering box.

Thanks Peter,
Any chance of a photo?
My alternator has already been moved. The main issue I have, (other than the fact that I'm using a very inefficient Chrysler compressor), is that my power steering pump is on an angle!

Originally Posted by paul robert

Hello Kevin,
Here goes. Remember this is a LHD Interceptor with a 440. But the kits fit RHD as well and all brackets and bolt on points are the same as on 383...

Thanks Paul. That's one very clean engine bay! Interesting to see those rocker covers - did they come standard with "Jensen" cast (or machined) into them?
.

[paul robert]

Yes they are standard Jensen cast ally covers. They do a lot to lift up an otherwise pretty dull looking engine. Much to my surprise I discovered my Bristol had the same ones but whoever put them on there had a little aluminium, Bristol machined plate made to cover the Jensen name.