A/C Console question

Vandekrol · 03-07-2008

I notice that there are two different types of consoles for the A/C
I was wondering which one belongs to what year?

namba209 · 03-07-2008

It's not the model year that determines the console style, it's the AC manufacturer, and there were two for the GT. The GM system which has the AC pump above the alternator, and the ARA which has the pump on the passenger side of the engine. HTH.

Vandekrol · 03-07-2008

Are any of them better or more rare?

namba209 · 03-07-2008

Complete systems for both are hard to come by, but the general consensus is the ARA console looks better. But I can't comment on either, as I've never seen both of them side by side, and my GT didn't have a console when I bought it.

Vandekrol · 03-07-2008

thanks for the information,
I have the gm console and it had some cracks in it and im plastic welding it right now.
Ill post some pictures of it when its done.
then I gotta try to find a condensor for it.

GTJIM · 03-07-2008

All GT aircon units were Dealer installed options - on US cars.
The ARA system was installed on early years cars until GM got their act together and produced a kit for GTs.
I guess ARA units could have been installed to later models - if the Dealer still had one in stock.

Either unit is quite rare and NOS bits few and far between.
A 'better' way to go is to up-date either system to modern R134 refrigerant using a late model Suzuki compressor/condenser and such other components that can be integrated into the 'old' system.
At least you have the visible bit of a GM unit - the rest can be cobbled together.
I have an ARA console/Suzuki bits set-up coming together for my 1972 GT

Anonymous D · 03-07-2008

ARA units were first installed on 1970 GT's. (They could not be installed on 1969 GT's due to the presence of the A.I.R. emissions control system on the engine. Kadett ARA units have been reported for as far back as 1966).

GM units followed in the 1971 model year GT's.

This is based on interviewing a former ARA engineer.

(I'm curious -- What is the source for the claims of existence of 1969 ARA units in GT's, and the 1972 introduction for the GM units? Or, is this "opinion"?)

Dennis Texas · 03-07-2008

between the two types of consoles I like the ARA model better but that's just an opinion the GM seems tall and gangly kinda wraps around the shifter. ARA is lower profile and more square looking.

Anonymous D · 03-07-2008

GM copied the ARA concept, but as often happens with an uninspired (and sales-only motivated) imitation, it wasn't as attractive or well-designed as the original. It did solve the problems of compressor mounting (the ARA pulley bit into the fender) and idle operation (GM added a vacuum-triggered cut-off valve).

Vandekrol · 03-08-2008

My gm console has two square holes in the front left and right does anybody know what goes there because they look like they are supposed to be there?

wattiefan · 03-08-2008

Its probabley been asked before but does opelgtsource or any other company have plans to make a new reproduction ac system? From reading the above i know you can use more updated parts but the originals give the gts a unique look to it even if it does not look all that appealing. But ac in the summer would be sweeeeeet!!!!!!!!!

BQS4 · 03-08-2008

Originally Posted by Vandekrol

My gm console has two square holes in the front left and right does anybody know what goes there because they look like they are supposed to be there?

Those are for directional vents.

Vandekrol · 03-08-2008

so are they supposed to be holes or do little vents go in there?

Vandekrol · 03-08-2008

here is a picture of the hole that im wondering about

BQS4 · 03-08-2008

If the picture is of the hole(s) you're talking about, what it is is part of the "ducting" that moves the cold air from the main part of the unit, which mounts in the back of the car (replaces what is known as the 'package tray' area) to the front. This is an "overlay" piece that mimics the center console and it is hollow. The cold air flows through these ducts, your square holes, to the vents that surround the shifter area. If this is all you have of the A/C, you're still missing a few pieces.

Vandekrol · 03-08-2008

would you be able to get me some pictures so i can see what im missing?
Thanks

BQS4 · 03-09-2008

Go to post #9 in this thread
http://www.opelgt.com/forums/group-9...gt-c-help.html

BQS4 · 03-09-2008

Look at posts # 18 & 19 in this thread
http://www.opelgt.com/forums/group-9...ealer-c-2.html

03-07-2008	#1 (permalink)
Vandekrol Young Opeler Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 43	Unanswered: A/C Console question I notice that there are two different types of consoles for the A/C I was wondering which one belongs to what year?

03-07-2008	#2 (permalink)
namba209 6,000 Post Club Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Imperial Beach, CA South of San Diego Posts: 6,054 Provided Answers: 6	It's not the model year that determines the console style, it's the AC manufacturer, and there were two for the GT. The GM system which has the AC pump above the alternator, and the ARA which has the pump on the passenger side of the engine. HTH. __________________ Ron 72 GT 3.4L V-6/T-5/ZF posi - almost done - Just need AC installed. 75 Chevy monza 5.7L/TH350/Auburn 3.08 posi - Next

03-07-2008	#4 (permalink)
namba209 6,000 Post Club Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Imperial Beach, CA South of San Diego Posts: 6,054 Provided Answers: 6	Complete systems for both are hard to come by, but the general consensus is the ARA console looks better. But I can't comment on either, as I've never seen both of them side by side, and my GT didn't have a console when I bought it. __________________ Ron 72 GT 3.4L V-6/T-5/ZF posi - almost done - Just need AC installed. 75 Chevy monza 5.7L/TH350/Auburn 3.08 posi - Next

03-07-2008	#6 (permalink)
GTJIM Old Opeler Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: New Zealand Posts: 5,686 Provided Answers: 12	Dealer Installed All GT aircon units were Dealer installed options - on US cars. The ARA system was installed on early years cars until GM got their act together and produced a kit for GTs. I guess ARA units could have been installed to later models - if the Dealer still had one in stock. Either unit is quite rare and NOS bits few and far between. A 'better' way to go is to up-date either system to modern R134 refrigerant using a late model Suzuki compressor/condenser and such other components that can be integrated into the 'old' system. At least you have the visible bit of a GM unit - the rest can be cobbled together. I have an ARA console/Suzuki bits set-up coming together for my 1972 GT __________________ GTJim Opel Owner since last Century! Copyright © 2000-2009 J D Henry All Rights Reserved Last edited by GTJIM; 03-07-2008 at 07:57 PM. Reason: Thanks for your "opinion" AnonymousB .... er D!

03-07-2008	#7 (permalink)
Anonymous D Opeler Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Planet Earth Posts: 502 Provided Answers: 3	Source? ARA units were first installed on 1970 GT's. (They could not be installed on 1969 GT's due to the presence of the A.I.R. emissions control system on the engine. Kadett ARA units have been reported for as far back as 1966). GM units followed in the 1971 model year GT's. This is based on interviewing a former ARA engineer. (I'm curious -- What is the source for the claims of existence of 1969 ARA units in GT's, and the 1972 introduction for the GM units? Or, is this "opinion"?)

03-07-2008	#3 (permalink)
Vandekrol Young Opeler Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 43	Are any of them better or more rare?

03-07-2008	#5 (permalink)
Vandekrol Young Opeler Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 43	thanks for the information, I have the gm console and it had some cracks in it and im plastic welding it right now. Ill post some pictures of it when its done. then I gotta try to find a condensor for it.

03-07-2008	#8 (permalink)
Dennis Texas Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 386 Provided Answers: 2	between the two types of consoles I like the ARA model better but that's just an opinion the GM seems tall and gangly kinda wraps around the shifter. ARA is lower profile and more square looking. Last edited by tekenaar; 03-07-2008 at 09:00 PM.

03-07-2008	#9 (permalink)
Anonymous D Opeler Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Planet Earth Posts: 502 Provided Answers: 3	GM Copy GM copied the ARA concept, but as often happens with an uninspired (and sales-only motivated) imitation, it wasn't as attractive or well-designed as the original. It did solve the problems of compressor mounting (the ARA pulley bit into the fender) and idle operation (GM added a vacuum-triggered cut-off valve).

03-08-2008	#10 (permalink)
Vandekrol Young Opeler Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 43	My gm console has two square holes in the front left and right does anybody know what goes there because they look like they are supposed to be there?

03-08-2008	#11 (permalink)
wattiefan Opeler Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Chanhassen, MN Posts: 111 Real Name: Nickolas	Its probabley been asked before but does opelgtsource or any other company have plans to make a new reproduction ac system? From reading the above i know you can use more updated parts but the originals give the gts a unique look to it even if it does not look all that appealing. But ac in the summer would be sweeeeeet!!!!!!!!!

03-08-2008	#13 (permalink)
Vandekrol Young Opeler Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 43	so are they supposed to be holes or do little vents go in there?

03-08-2008	#15 (permalink)
BQS4 Southern Red Neck Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Snellville, GA Posts: 6,027 Real Name: Gene Provided Answers: 12	If the picture is of the hole(s) you're talking about, what it is is part of the "ducting" that moves the cold air from the main part of the unit, which mounts in the back of the car (replaces what is known as the 'package tray' area) to the front. This is an "overlay" piece that mimics the center console and it is hollow. The cold air flows through these ducts, your square holes, to the vents that surround the shifter area. If this is all you have of the A/C, you're still missing a few pieces. __________________ "Yes, I do have a rifle rack in my Sportwagon"

03-08-2008	#16 (permalink)
Vandekrol Young Opeler Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 43	would you be able to get me some pictures so i can see what im missing? Thanks

03-09-2008	#17 (permalink)
BQS4 Southern Red Neck Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Snellville, GA Posts: 6,027 Real Name: Gene Provided Answers: 12	Go to post #9 in this thread http://www.opelgt.com/forums/group-9...gt-c-help.html __________________ "Yes, I do have a rifle rack in my Sportwagon"

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

03-09-2008	#18 (permalink)
BQS4 Southern Red Neck Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Snellville, GA Posts: 6,027 Real Name: Gene Provided Answers: 12	Look at posts # 18 & 19 in this thread http://www.opelgt.com/forums/group-9...ealer-c-2.html __________________ "Yes, I do have a rifle rack in my Sportwagon"

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode