A possible a/c option

[azopelnut]

Has anyone ever tried a device such as this or have an opinion about it?
There are a number of testimonials from users in very warm climates.


http://www.swampy.net/hprices.html

[deaner]

I've never used one of these. I do remember as a kid, my parents had one simular in the car. Driving in the desert it sure helped. But not as well as real a/c. These seem a little pricy (sp). I think I would just invest in real a/c.

[Sparky73]

Some are somewhat expensive, and the GT is a pretty small car.. so I would think the smallest model would be all you need. 300 bucks aint extremely bad if you could find someone to say "they work". I have something like it in my room, as an alternative to A/C, which makes it more compfortable..but not cold. Probably a good 10 degree's cooler air blowing on me. So yes it helps, but I am not sure if this is the same concept.

After looking, it looks as if the more expensive models are what I got for my room. Using ice, and blowing the cool air off the block to cool the air.

[Mike Preble]

As a native Arizonan (Tucson) I can attest to the swamp cooler ability when the humidity is below 12%. It works great and efficiently. As this would be, and I am assuming here, in the car it would work until it raised the humidity above 12%, as it will do after a while of running. If you use it during driving you might have to contend with the water sloshing around. Plus refilling the water as it evaporates.

Old cars and VWs had an option like this that hung out the window and was shaped like a tube. As you drove the car the air was forced through the front opening. Prized after option when restoring an old car but not sure how functional.

Nice idea and great if it works except during monsoon season when humidity is higher the 10%. I, myself, am partial to a water squirt bottle spraying my face. Works the same and only $1 at the dollar store.

Mike
But it's a dry heat

[azopelnut]

Maybe a complete a/c system from a small economy car (such as a Geo) could be put into an Ascona. The only component that may be a challenge is the blower box inside the car. Short of finding a under dash unit from an Opel any other retro fits out there that someone has used successfully?

[deaner]

I have retroed a a/c in my Manta. I used a rotary pump from asain. I had a local company that specializes in Hot Rod's do the work. I took the heater box and entire unit from a Manta to them They modified it to accept everything needed.I then did the install in the car, after that I took the car to them and they finished the loose ends and made sure it was working. It's a simple system that fits and looks stock. I have an extra switch by the stock heater control, I used the switch where the rear window defogger would go to turn on the a/c. The temp is controlled by a rotary temp sensor. It's not a climate controlled system like in modern cars, but it does work.
You can even buy small systems from Hot Rod supply companies. They do work. It's not real hard to install. But is labor intensive. I had my car apart for other work so made it easier to do. All in all well worth it. I did mine in 94 and still have around $1500 in it. With me doing most of the labor.