411 air conditioning

paul robert · #1 (**permalink**) 05-05-20, 06:35 PM

If it is of any interest I can show you the set up in my 75 Interceptor. My 411 does not have A/C and I do not intend to install one.
We've had the Interceptor in the family since new so i've witnessed all the ups/ downs and lessons to be learned.
The A/C never was very effective which I always found strange because American cars are normally known for blowing icecold.
The one you describe is standard Chrysler (twin piston I believe) ware, heavy and eats a lot of power.
Some years ago I bought a complete kit with a Sanden compressor. Bolts right in, much lighter better performance and less power consuming. It also looks better. I think I paid around £950 for the kit at a UK shop catering exclusively to Jensens.
The condenser sits in front of the radiator on top of an engine oil cooler and the fans are pull fans sitting in the original shroud behind the radiator but quite close. I long ago changed the Kenlowes for Audi units of the same diameter.
I looked at the 411 and I think it'll fit in with a minimum amount of fettling.
If it helps I can take some pics tomorrow.
Paul

Kevin H · #2 (**permalink**) 06-05-20, 12:22 PM

Paul,
I would be very interested to see some pictures of your AC system.

I had a Vintage Air system installed on my 411 about 20 years ago, but it was a bit of a bodge job and the compressor did not bolt straight onto the intake manifold or the block.

I had an engine rebuild done by a Jensen specialist who convinced me to go with the original Chrysler AC compressor. It is a more tidy installation, but it's performance was very poor by comparison. It also resulted in the power steering pump being at a 45 degree angle which is far from ideal. I later asked Vintage Air about this and they said the modern compressors are far superior in performance.

Regards,
Kevin

paul robert · #3 (**permalink**) 06-05-20, 02:29 PM

Hello Kevin,
Here goes. Remember this is a LHD Interceptor with a 440. But the kits fit RHD as well and all brackets and bolt on points are the same as on 383.
The kit came with all bits needed, brackets hoses, dryer, condenser, the lot and was a doddle to install.Please note I have a higher output alternator and have a similar one on the 411 but mounted on the other side of course.
The fan shroud is original Jensen with newer Bosch fans off an Audi. the rubber flap let air though at speed but the fans pull them closed when they're on.
As I said the condenser sits in front of the radiator but does not have its own fan. Hope this helps, best Paul

peter dowdle · #4 (**permalink**) 14-05-20, 01:22 PM

Kevin

I have had brackets made up to install the vintage air compressor to our motors.They bolt slightly to the right of the thermostat housing in the valley.I can have extra sets made quite easily and cheaply if you wish. This setup requires the alternator to be moved to the left of the motor above the steering box.

Kevin H · #5 (**permalink**) 21-05-20, 11:32 AM

Sorry about the delayed responses!

Quote:

Originally Posted by peter dowdle

Kevin

I have had brackets made up to install the vintage air compressor to our motors.They bolt slightly to the right of the thermostat housing in the valley.I can have extra sets made quite easily and cheaply if you wish. This setup requires the alternator to be moved to the left of the motor above the steering box.

Thanks Peter,
Any chance of a photo?
My alternator has already been moved. The main issue I have, (other than the fact that I'm using a very inefficient Chrysler compressor), is that my power steering pump is on an angle!

Quote:

Originally Posted by paul robert

Hello Kevin,
Here goes. Remember this is a LHD Interceptor with a 440. But the kits fit RHD as well and all brackets and bolt on points are the same as on 383...

Thanks Paul. That's one very clean engine bay! Interesting to see those rocker covers - did they come standard with "Jensen" cast (or machined) into them?
.

paul robert · #6 (**permalink**) 21-05-20, 01:34 PM

Yes they are standard Jensen cast ally covers. They do a lot to lift up an otherwise pretty dull looking engine. Much to my surprise I discovered my Bristol had the same ones but whoever put them on there had a little aluminium, Bristol machined plate made to cover the Jensen name.

peter dowdle · #7 (**permalink**) 21-05-20, 11:53 PM

Kevin I will organize some photos shortly. The brackets are very simple just 2 flat plates that utilize the long bolt that the power steering pump pivots on. I do not understand what the problem is as to why you are having problems with the mounting of your pump, mine sits in its normal position as supplied by Bristol and that matter Chrysler.

The integration of my Vintage Air system is slowly progressing but as you have pointed out it isnt easy to fit the unit where the original blower and heater were sitting. I have decided to mount it in such a way that it protrudes through the floor of the shelf that the heater and blower sat on so that the bottom half of the unit sits flush on the gearbox tunnel and the top half in the engine compartment. I then need to make up a steel cover to seal the cockpit from the engine bay. To that end I have made up a plywood mock up of the firewall and heater shelf and fitted the test unit vintage air supply. I now should be able to tap into the original air box that supplies the 4 dash vents and likewise the windscreen vents.

peter dowdle · #8 (**permalink**) 22-05-20, 12:02 AM

Continue. With that installation and the vintage air 4 knob switches I will have hot and cold air to my feet , the dash and the windscreen. The only thing missing is fresh air from out side. The big hold up is there are no units available in Australia till mid June .If all this goes to plan looking under the bonnet the soft cover that fitted over the original heater and blower will remain unaltered and in place.