Log in

View Full Version : Defender aftermarket Air Conditioning Red Dot



weeds
2nd August 2016, 07:59 PM
I opted for a drive in drive out solution......

My 2000 TD5 Hardtop didn't have factory air fitted therefore had a blank canvas to work with...I.e. No compressor, condenser, evaporator etc

It was hard finding companies to quote...most were just not interested, to hard basket.

Went from nothing to this, it's a Red Dot R6840P http://autofrost.com.au/store/pdf/R6830.pdf
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/08/1102.jpg

Temporary placement of the controls until new dash arrives, they have been relocated from the red dot unit. An extra thermostat had to be fitted to allow remote mounting of the controls.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/08/1103.jpg

Big thumbs up for Mr Cool in Brisbane, I went with them as they seemed most professional through the quote process and that Rainman used them to commission his installation....

The unit is mounted nicely in the cab, they went to a lot of trouble and made up a whole new radiator support bars so that the evaporator/fan fitted in nicely. I haven't looked underneath but after looking in the engine bay the install is very neat. The fuse/relay as mounted in the battery box in a water proof din mount enclosure. They used plugs on all the wiring for easy disconnect and re-connect.

The only odd bit is the driver belt size......it ended up being an odd size i.e. Wasn't stocked in Brisbane. I will need to sus out the length of the OEM unit.

One thing I do have to adjust is the water drain....it's currently dripping on a cross member.....

Will have to wait til it warms up a bit but at 22-23000 btu's (6kw) I'm hoping it will perform quite well.

Before you ask, starting from scratch and buying all new components it cost a bomb.....if you are serious about upgrading and a complete install I do recommend Mr Cool, the only other place I could get to quote was Action Auto Electrics who were actually cheaper.

86mud
3rd August 2016, 11:59 AM
Wow...that's a big unit Weeds.....what will you rest your left arm on?

Where did you get those seat covers from?

You really need to put up a a thread on your new truck.

weeds
3rd August 2016, 12:26 PM
Wow...that's a big unit Weeds.....what will you rest your left arm on?

Where did you get those seat covers from?

You really need to put up a a thread on your new truck.



Arm rest will go between the A/C and the seat.

Seat covers will be ditched once we source replacements.

weeds
3rd August 2016, 04:58 PM
You really need to put up a a thread on your new truck.

not sure it would be off much interest........turning bog standard hardtop into an overland rig to drive across Europe

steveG
3rd August 2016, 07:01 PM
Looks great. What condenser did you use? Any piccy's of that part?

I have to agree with Mud though - the build needs a thread of its own. Especially now we know there's a serious overland plan involved :)

Steve

alittlebitconcerned
3rd August 2016, 07:09 PM
Cool!



(Sorry)

weeds
3rd August 2016, 07:17 PM
Looks great. What condenser did you use? Any piccy's of that part?

I have to agree with Mud though - the build needs a thread of its own. Especially now we know there's a serious overland plan involved :)

Steve



I haven't pull the grill off yet.......will see if I can find some time over the weekend.

steane
3rd August 2016, 07:35 PM
not sure it would be off much interest........turning bog standard hardtop into an overland rig to drive across Europe

Sounds interesting to me :)

Ranga
8th August 2016, 07:12 PM
Can confirm this unit pushes out some serious air!! Considering getting mine done, albeit probably a different unit. Mr Cool seems very professional.