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Hi everyone, I'm looking at an FD for sale that checks almost all my boxes but has had the a/c system deleted. From what I can tell the compressor, condenser, drier, and associated lines were removed. I couldn't find any wiring that would go to the compressor, but that's an unknown and I'll need to retake a closer look.
My question is what components would I need to add A/C back into the car if I purchased it? And if worst case the wiring is missing to the compressor, what can I do? I'm trying to gauge how expensive a project like this will be in parts, in terms or any fabrication or labor I can do it myself so I'm not worried there. If anyone has any insights or ac diagrams for FDs feel free to share.
100% the JP3 kit. The only original part you need is the AC evaporator box under the dash which most likely is still there.
Trying to get all the OEM parts to put it all back together is possible but it's a chore and the OEM system is designed for the old R12 refrigerant. The JP3 system is all new everything, designed for R134 so any AC shop can charge it up, and has good instructions on how to install everything.
First thing you'll need to do is ascertain just what A/C components are still left in the car. MOST guys that delete A/C systems just remove the A/C stuff under the hood (compressor, condenser, dryer & A/C plumbing). If that's how your FD's previous owner molested it, then the JP3 kit is the easy-button solution to getting the A/C back, and you'll need nothing else WRT the hardware. Install the kit, then evacuate the system to verify it was installed leak free and charge it up with R134A. You can DIY that if you have the equipment needed (vacuum pump, A/C manifold gauge set, etc.) or farm that task out to a shop.
In the rarer cases that your FD's previous owner was going for *****-out race car, he MIGHT have also deleted the evaporator core under the dash, and/or yanked out the HVAC control panel on the dash. If he did that you've got to source replacements for that stuff because the JP3 kit assumes you have those parts.
What you will need on your car is the evaporator (assuming that the prior owners did not hack up any wiring in the car). Used evaporators can be found on ebay or via several guys who are parting out cars.
So I looked at the car again today and the evaporator has been uninstalled under the dash and the wiring for the condenser is 100% not there. Any ideas on if this is fixable besides a new wiring harness?
I also learned the heater core was removed so if anyone has any diagrams or info on how to reinstall the heater core that would be useful too.
Last edited by decoyblaze; Dec 22, 2024 at 11:11 PM.
Here is an A/C system for an RHD. This rather brutal condition is typical of the used parts you can find. Better condition parts can slowly be accumulated off of Japanese auction sites.
In total there may have been up to five systems with various components (2 for LHD, 3 for RHD) mostly the parts are not interchangeable. So you have to be careful collecting to get matching components.
The wiring runs all over and likely through the Emissions, Instrument, Dash and Front harnesses. There is a short harness that runs to the HVAC system. The system pressure sensor comes with its own harness usually.
Here is the basic wiring diagram for Version 1 FD RHD. It should be fairly close to USDM diagrams, but there are variations year to year and version to version.
