Successful dash A/C rebuild?

[cliffcharb]

Has anyone successfully rebuilt their dash A/C in their motorhome? As I live in sunny S Florida working air conditioning is a must. I'm trying to decide if its worth the headache & $$ to rebuild, or just remove it all and install another system.
Also as I have a 28' does the dash A/C actually cool those behind the driver & pass seats? I do not want to constantly run the generator.

[vswingfield]

What do you mean by rebuild?


Is is simply not blowing cold air?


Is the dash itself broken, missing, or destroyed?


Repairing an automotive AC that isn't cooling is relatively straightforward. Automotive ACs are built to be serviced.

[GWallace]

I rebuilt the dash AC on my 77 Argosy about 3 years ago. It worked out well and works just fine. I consider it a necessity here in Texas. The rebuilt system uses R134a instead of F12. I learned that the condenser out front must have an electric fan in addition to the regular engine fan to operate properly with R134a. The condenser is a replacement newer high efficiency design. Also all of the hoses were replaced with the newer design barrier hoses.

It can be done quite readily.

[jdalrymple]

The dash air in my 91 still operates and is still charged with R12.

No, it will not cool the entire coach on a hot day but will keep the cockpit area comfortable.

We sometimes place a shower curtain behind the front seats to hold the cool air in with us.

If the fan blows, the dash controls work, and the damper moves from defrost to vent, repairing the ac is not really a big deal.

I saved the R12 and recharged mine during a recent radiator replacement.


Regards,

JD

[cliffcharb]

Currently it does not cool, but is still set up for R12. The PO stated he never used it in the 18 years that he owned it. I plan on replacing compressor condenser dryer and all lines and clean the evaporator to start. My wife and daughter would likely sit behind me on the sofa while traveling.
Hopefully they wont cook