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Thread: HELP! Kids are cooking - need better aircon

  1. #1
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    HELP! Kids are cooking - need better aircon

    I know this hsa been posted before, but here goes...

    Well, normally aircon doesn't interest me - I'd rather have the window open.

    However, as most of you already know, the Defender aircon is ordinary at best, and despite putting up some PVC over the cargo barrier in the 110, it's still very hot in the back seats.

    I really need to do something about this, as simply put it's unbearable for the kids in the back on days like today (about 35 degrees), and should I want to do the Birdsville track again (or similar), it just won't be feasible.

    My aircon does get quite cold, but the fan just doesn't push out enough air. I understand that with more airflow, it might not cool down as well, but I reckon that the first thing I should try is somehow pumping more air through.

    Does anybody know how to fix this problem?

    Alternatively, did anyone end up installing an aftermarket option, such as the roof-mount jobs?

    If I can't fix this, I'll need to move to another vehicle (heaven forbid!) probably a Disco or even a Rangie.

  2. #2
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    A few easy fixes:

    Tint the windows with the "good stuff' - that is stopping the UV rays.

    Address the problem of radiant heat. Just touch the metal behind the Console Box and you will know what I mean.

    I have lined quite a substantial area under the car with aluminium backed close-density foam and it has fixed the problem. Many will opt for insulating the mats etc (which I have done - primarily to reduce noise) but I have found actually insulating the desired area under the car is most effective. In addition, the large muffler is an extraordinary large "heat-table" - give it the flick. I replaced it with a Vortex Muffler (a cylinder therefore reducing the heat-table).

    Insulate the roof - there is a great thread on this somewhere.

    I know this reply seems like a "mine is best' reply - but it works. Especially the window tinting - I was sceptical in this regard but a "true believer" now.
    http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/j...KevsAvatar.jpg
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  3. #3
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    Have you opened the back cab widows....works a treat

    we very rarely use the air con and we travel all over AUS...vents open..back cab windows open ..the breeze what ever temp it is at flows freely

    works a treat


    sorry 110 not 130 oops


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  4. #4
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    I actually mentioned tinting the windows to the wife on the way home today. Maybe it's worth a try.

    I never thought of insulation. Might give that a try also.

    We have a sunroof (yes, on a Defender!), but you can't open it with the roof rack on. The back was fully loaded, so I'm not sure if the cab windows open would make a difference, but again, worth a try.

    Barra1 - do you have any photos to give me a better idea of how you did it?

  5. #5
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    I sorted big reds by means of removing the middle left vent and making up a duct with a return fan from the back of the cab.

    I had the advantage of tinting to start with.

    it got the whole cab of a red 110 cool enough that I could sleep in the back on the way to emerald from townsville.
    Dave

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  6. #6
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    Will do the photos tomorrow arvo.

    And Dave gave me that idea with the vent - it works - forgot to mention that.

    I suppose it is all about making the air-con more effective - it does have a tough job.
    http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/j...KevsAvatar.jpg
    Defender '06 - (+ Tombie's Magic)
    Gone but not forgotten
    Defender 03 (Rolled)
    '99 TDI Discovery
    '96 V8 Discovery
    '86 V8 County (Life's regret selling this)
    Series III

  7. #7
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    Aluminium backed close-density foam

    G'Day Barra1

    Your post was very helpful as I've got a similar problem.

    I'd figured out that I needed to insulate under the car but was unsure what to do it with.

    So, any chance of details on the "aluminium backed close-density foam" along with the pics?

    Ta!
    Mellow Yellow

    No matter what the problem - there's a solution. You've just got to find it.

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  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by Blknight.aus View Post
    I sorted big reds by means of removing the middle left vent and making up a duct with a return fan from the back of the cab.

    I had the advantage of tinting to start with.

    it got the whole cab of a red 110 cool enough that I could sleep in the back on the way to emerald from townsville.
    Thanks Dave - but I can't quite visualise what you mean. Any chance of photos?

  9. #9
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    on the tinting... our new defender is tinted... very very tinted... i think the previous owner was going for the pimp ride look...

    i find although it does reduce heat a bit its that dark that it actually radiates due to the windows being black.. the other thing i struggle with is the internal reflections in it at night... its hard to see through and you get reflection coming over from the passenger side through the front window... im getting used to it.

    sorry i cant offer any more help as its normally windows down for us!

    Thanks

    Steve

  10. #10
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    Defender Aircon

    I have a roof mounted (Red Dot) that works well and cools much better than standard, even if the evaporator and fan are standard. It just keeps pumping out cold air and haven just carried an elderly gent to Cairns and back on the weekend can atest that the rear was cool, comfortable.

    Secondly I have an ARB roof rack and bolted to it is construction ply (been there for about 5 years), this also helps to keep the car cool.

    Finally I have 80% green shade cloth as curtains in the rear afixed by velcro dots. This adds to the cooling and is easy to clean, just take it out and hose then replace to dry. Easy.

    Will post some pics.

    Regards,
    PeterW

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