BigBear
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Gilmore air conditioning unitI have a new Gilmore enterprises air conditioning unit from the states for my bay. Anyone had any experience in fitting one of these to a 2L ?
I have the instructions, most of it looks simple, am a bit concerned with the compressor installation though.
Bear
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Gabbo's Run
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Sorry mate, cant offer any advice on this one as have no knowledge.
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BigBear
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Thanks, should be an interesting install
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Gabbo's Run
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Just take your time and read the instructions over and over a couple of times.
Preparation is 95% of the job. 
Good luck.
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The K Factor
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Bear, mine's got a factory unit fitted but the compressor is out of the bus at the moment. Supposedly I've got all the brackets for the compressor. You're more than welcome to have a look at how the heat exchanger etc is mounted. K.K.
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BigBear
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Thanks K, is yours a 2L job ???
I have had a read of the instruction, condensor , fan unit etc all look pretty straight forward, the compressor however fits onto a bracket mounted on the left hand side of the engine. It fits under the engine tin so from the engine bay it just looks like a hose connection or two.. tin needs to be modified slightly for hose and bracket. My biggest concern is the pully fitting from the compressor to the Fan unit.
Instructions say remove the fan and replace fan spacer with pully wheel.
I haven't done any mechanical work on the 2L, (1600 only) so I am not too sure what this fan spacer is.. will need to hit the books and check out the fan setup.
As I am pulling the engine out of the other bus may get a better look on that engine.
As I said before, should be a fun install.
I bought two of these units, and I also picked up a Headliner unit for the deluxe bus I hope I can retro fit it to work with the headliner unit. DC first as the bus is still in pieces.
Bear
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The K Factor
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Bear, if i remember i'll put all the gear in the bus and show you at Alfred's tonight. K.K.
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BigBear
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I'll do the same, although if I get sorted I will be bringing the Splittie
Bear
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BigBear
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Air conditioner is now installed in 'Tina' (Bay Dual Cab).
Thanks to 'Gerry Kay' , 'Avon Auto Electrics' and 'NadRad Morley'.
Wasn't as diffucult as I thought it would be, Instructions were pretty easy to follow. Compressor install was reatively simple, although I had to remove the Bumper, Tow bar and muffler to be able to get one nut on... I need smaller hands
Condensor was easy.. fits under the car.
Evaporator was a bit more of a hassle because the unit is setup for LHD so all the pipe attachments are on the leftside near the passenger door. Had to move the fuse box to fit properly. needs a cleanup and Cover built to hide the pipes etc.
slight adjustment to engine tin for the hoses from the compressor but looks neat with only the re-gassing valves showing.
I did about 90% of the install, leaving fan belt mounting , Tin ware , electrics and hose fixing to the experts. 
Works a treat -- damn cold yesterday -- doesn't appear to drag on the engine, but fan is a bit noisy.
Very happy with it... come on Summer.. peak hour traffic shoule be a breeze. 
Bear
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The K Factor
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Well done! Did you have any problems with the Cabin Roof fan installation?
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BigBear
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No, the roof install is for the BUS - 'Georgie'
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Peterbro
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Bear what has been the cost to purchase and fit ?
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BigBear
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I purchased two units via AirCooled.net in the US but the actual units are from Gilmore Enterprises.
$1800.00 (US) for each unit
The biggest problem I had was the freight, AirCooled will not do international shipping so you have to organise it yourself. I hunted down a freight forwarder in the Eastern States and they arranged everything via FEDEX.. Had a few paperwork hassles as no-one wanted to complete the forms.. There are some special export codes which need to be added to the export paperwork.. in the end I did most of the paperwork, sent it to the freight forwarder who sent it to fedex and they picked up the units.
They came air freight .. so it was quick but expensive... Customs killed me..
Installation , I did about 90% myself and had the experts do the electrical, fan connection and complete the hose installation
Costs
Air Conditioning units $1800 (US)
Freight 2 units - 80kg - Air freight $1064 (aus) - should be about $700 for one unit
Customs - 2 units - $ 994 (aus) - $600 was for the value ($3600)
electrical install - $110
Hoses and gas - $300 approx
compressor mounting and pulley belt etc $200 approx
Note : the Fan pulley installation and compressor is relatively easy, just remove the fan, replace the spacer behind the fan with pull put on the belt, replace the fan. fit to compressor.. Had to make sure the compressor was straight.. that's why I left it to the experts.
Eveporator was the most painfull because the unit is setup for LHD vehicle, fuse box needs to be moved..
Hope it helps
Bear
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The K Factor
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Wow Big Bear, you certainly have gone to a lot of trouble to keep cool in summer. Now that it's all working you should change your 'handle' from 'Big Bear' to 'Polar Bear' 
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BigBear
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Trouble.. No trouble..
I just remember having to replace the compressor in my Santa Fe and just the compressor cost me $1600 and that was without fitting.
I tried quite a few air conditioning places in Perth and they all shook their heads.. After getting the one from Gilmore I can't see why it would be difficult to get one made up locally.. bracket for the 2L is pretty basic, not sure about the pulley wheel but I am sure there would be one available.
Condensor is like a truck one which has fans.. and I am sure the evaporator is nothing out of the ordinary.. Compressor comes fom China.
Sweating in Office clothes is not the best look, now I won't have to.
'Chilly' Bear
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