RRC HVAC system

Shiftonthefly1

Well-known member
Aug 11, 2014
433
14
Las Vegas
Is there a way to retro fit the HVAC system in the early RRC to one that ....I dunno....works?

I can get the heat hot and the AC cold. That's no issue. The problem as with most Classics is that I can't get the air moving or to the correct place. I've done a bunch of the repairs and tricks. Both my blower motors work fine. I've had this same issue on all three of my Classics. I get hot air when I don't want it and either defrost or foot AC. Or sometimes Vise Versa

I'm more interested in possibly intergrating a system that would function as intended.
 

Tugela

Well-known member
May 21, 2007
4,754
561
Seattle
I have always taken an archaelogical attitude towards the HVAC system on the RRC. My theory is that the engineers who designed it were the same people who built Stonehenge. It has a purpose, but how it actually works remains a mystery.

Stonehenge_2066365b_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqqVzuuqpFlyLIwiB6NTmJwZwVSIA7rSIkPn18jgFKEo0.jpg
 

Shiftonthefly1

Well-known member
Aug 11, 2014
433
14
Las Vegas
Lol. That's the damn truth. That stupid ass contol panel is the worst. Like Myan petroglyphs.

I've never seen a system more inefficient. I'm even thinking of somehow doing a universal drop down unit. I've used them a few times in older pick ups and cars. No clue how to incorporate one here. There has got to be a way to improve this terrible set up. Someone one here mentioned doing a vintage air set up. Never got the details.

I need this damn AC to work this summer or I've got to seriously consider getting another truck. Weak. The wife and two daughters won't be happy about being in 120 degrees with the stupid ac blowing cold air cheerfully behind the dash.
 

luckyjoe

Well-known member
Oct 10, 2004
455
118
New Jersey USA
Did you look on range rovers.net? Might find something there?

It doesn’t help, but I’m very happy with the havoc on my 1995 RRC. The hood intake acts like forced air and I can often drive with the fan (heat) off in Fall/Spring.
 

4Runner

Well-known member
May 24, 2007
660
110
Boise Idaho
Here is my answer to that ridiculous system that came from the factory. Will let you know how it goes. I purchased the entire kit, compressor, lines, condenser, controller and such. Got new vents that look like the old ones. I hope to use the old vents but we will see. I am also re wiring the entire vehicle at the same time. I think the wiring is the only thing more silly then the HVAC system. Tried removing wired that weren?t used anymore and just gave up and scraped the whole thing.
 

az_max

1
Apr 22, 2005
7,463
2
Vintage Aire has two systems that may fit. They can loan you boxes for layout so that you can size one properly. It's probably expensive, but I think it's well worth looking at to get something that may actually work.

My idea was to build a metal box of some sort to keep the center fresh air ventilation, use the duct behind the wood dash and put the heater/AC into the area currently occupied by the old AC system. A Sanden 709 should still be able to power the VA systems, so no new bracketry for the engine.
 

4Runner

Well-known member
May 24, 2007
660
110
Boise Idaho
It was $1800 for the whole system. We will see. I purchased the largest one they make for SUVs. The unit from Diablo air also looked workable.
 

rover4x4

Well-known member
Apr 21, 2004
5,228
45
41
North Carolina, Raleigh
Here is my answer to that ridiculous system that came from the factory. Will let you know how it goes. I purchased the entire kit, compressor, lines, condenser, controller and such. Got new vents that look like the old ones. I hope to use the old vents but we will see. I am also re wiring the entire vehicle at the same time. I think the wiring is the only thing more silly then the HVAC system. Tried removing wired that weren?t used anymore and just gave up and scraped the whole thing.

that looks insane
 

4Runner

Well-known member
May 24, 2007
660
110
Boise Idaho
I know right. I should be able to get a set of new tires from what I collect for scrap copper. There are wires, relays and fuses every where. One wire branches off to feed three others. I am still in the process of unwiring. I am keeping the 14CUX wiring intact as much as possible. I did try and keep the factory set up but it really didn’t make any sense considering what is left on the vehicle and what I am adding.
 

Shiftonthefly1

Well-known member
Aug 11, 2014
433
14
Las Vegas
Good God. I don't know if I've got the talent to bring something back from that nightmare. It's hard to believe that as relatively simple as these trucks are there is that much wiring. Seems like a universal painless harness would be easier.

That VA system looks way better than stock. But will it fit with out major hacking? Will it be serviceable?
 

headdamage

Active member
Apr 27, 2006
27
0
The AC in my 93 RRC works well enough to use the truck as a meat locker in the summer but the dam heater is horrible. I've had it out twice trying to make it work better and even added a webasto engine heater to help out and it is still marginal at best. Ok at temps around freezing but -20c and below it doesn't cut it.
 

Swedjen2

Well-known member
Sep 12, 2018
594
127
California
I suspect the A/C Heater units worked O.K. when first purchased, but nearly 30 years later, all those plastic flaps have warped and the foam seals have disintigrated so now the A/C cools the dash and you can roast a turkey in the footwell anytime of the year.
R/N or A/B had the whole unit for around $800, but that was several years ago and they are gone. Maybe someone in the U.K. has N.O.S.?
 

Blueboy

Well-known member
Apr 20, 2004
3,205
459
Back in the USA; Rockwood, PA
Can?t comment on the A/C as mine has enough problems I am not having it repaired.

However on the heat side, just had my heater core replaced with the OEM from 1994 after the new plastic one exploded along with a new heater blower.

It is amazing on how well the heat now works.

Just drove back from Burlington, VT and outside temps around 18. Even on the highway the temp lever halfway and blower on low speed.

Work was performed by Congleton Service and they did an awesome job.

After the 109 SW and our 110 in Brasil, I?ve just relegated myself that A/C is open windows and sunroof.