Installing an A/C after Market Kit

[Harsop1]

Hi I'm new to the forum so apologise if this topic has already been covered. I have just purchased a 300TDI 130 and the Air Con has been removed, I have heard that the Defender air con isn't much chop and takes up a lot of cabin space so was thinking about installing an afetr market kit, does anyone have any information on doing this and or is it a good idea or am I just asking for problems???

Thank you Coxy.

[Don 130]

There have been several done with 'Red Dot' units in the past. Use the custom search function at the bottom left to track them down.
Don.

[dromader driver]

The original air con under dash model is an after fit that is marginal in a single cab trayback. Freezes your knees then freezes up totally. The roof mounted red dot or similar in a dual cab would be better.

Someone had installed a split system in a 130 that was sourced from a tojo minibus. Would be good for a station wagon landie.

[Harsop1]

Thanks for the Help guys, my unit is actually a 96 300TDI 130 Station Wagon conversion by Mulgo so there a fear bit of space to cool having said that I reckon you are right on the mark with Red Spot and I'll do further research into these units I live in Victoria so will source a supplier/installer down here.

Cheers Coxy.122175

[weeds]

I have a red dot between the front seats.....not as good as I was hoping given it's capacity...the air-con place said to bring it back in.

[weeds]

Oh pop tops are cool....I have a Mulgo conversion on my 110

Was this the one advertised in Brisbane?? I meant to go have a sticky beak at it.

[Harsop1]

Yep this is the one advertised in Brisbane, its now in Victoria getting ready for Rego in Vic, I'm doing a bit of a restoration on it before decking out the inside, am planning to take it over seas on a longgggg trip so going to turn it into a home for my wife and I to live out of for a 7 month trip.

[towe0609]

here's mine

Air Con: Red Dot 6100 on 1999 Td5 130 Dual Cab (https://www.aulro.com/afvb/90-110-130-defender-county/130351-air-con-red-dot-6100-1999-td5-130-dual-cab-post1497222.html#post1497222)

[Harsop1]

I can't mount anything on the roof as it raises up and has a bed under it so I really need to install the evaporator and fan either between the seats or on the dash in front of the gear stick some how. I have an old 98 Disco that I will reuse the condenser, compressor and filter from so just need to hunt around for a evaporator that will fit. Anyhow plenty of time to work out as Winter is about to hit Victoria so won't need it until October. Will keep this thread posted with what I do.

Cheers Coxy

[danialan]

I seem to be one of the few who think the TDI Defender aircon is adequate. I find it is a neat solution, saves space and is out of the way. Its not a fridge, but I find it cold enough and I used to live in N Qld and also drove it in 40C+ temps in Mongolia. Put a curtain (or clear vinyl) behind the seats to reduce the volume you need to cool.

In my opinion the main problems stem from the thermistor (or thermo amp) dying. Usually located in the battery box, it is a little black box with about 8 wires coming out of it. Replace it with a mechanical thermistat for about $20. The second problem is normally the TX valve which is next to the evaporator. Some details here - 300tdi airconditioner not working (https://www.aulro.com/afvb/90-110-130-defender-county/189411-300tdi-airconditioner-not-working-2.html)

Also congratulations on a great buy. I would have liked to check it out too. I look forward to seeing more pictures of your wagon, and your camper fit out.

130 wagons are awesome - here is a pic of mine
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