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Anyone improve their A/C???

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  • Anyone improve their A/C???

    Driving Hot Rod in 95+ degree heat gives new meaning to the name "Hot Rod". This fall I converted the A/C to 134 and got everything running. When the temp is in the 80's it cools just fine but if in the 90's, with direct sun light, it's a warm ride to say the least. Any ideas on improving the efficiency of the A/C???
    '93 Festiva GL / "HOT ROD"
    '02 F-150 Supercrew
    '02 Excursion 4x4
    '98 Jeep Cherokee Classic Limited

  • #2
    Its been hot here too... and keeping the shade in the window all day sure helps a lot...

    i have a little probe temperature thing in my vent, and even in 100 degree weather it comes out between 45 and 50 degrees within 3-5 minutes.... i also have it converted to 134.. maybe you need a charge??
    i have a buddy who has an A/C place, and 134 takes 1.2 lbs.. good luck and stay cool.

    -"Hairlipstiva" 1991 GL 5spd (swapped from an auto), rolling on Enkei 14x6 +38 with 195/45/14 Toyo's, Jensen MP5720 CD deck, tach install, LED strip in cluster, down position rear wiper, FMS springs, Gabriel shocks on 4 corners, Acura Integra short shifter
    -Escort GT 91 donor car with BP, G5M-R tranny to be dropped in the little guy...
    -Aspire brake swap COMPLETE!
    https://www.wunderground.com/persona...?ID=KOKOWASS38

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    • #3
      I tinted the back side windows and the back glass and that helped.
      1960 willys pickup
      1967 jeep cj5

      1988 festiva
      1989 festiva
      1990 festiva for parts
      1991 s-10

      "Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote!" —Benjamin Franklin, 1759

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      • #4
        Originally posted by worfdog View Post
        I tinted the back side windows and the back glass and that helped.
        Yeah, second that!
        Even without AC, tinting the rear window helps.
        Agree that unit could need charging, did you replace the drier when you converted to 134A?
        '93 Blue 5spd 230K(down for clutch and overall maintanence)
        '93 White B6 swap thanks to Skeeters Keeper
        '92 Aqua parts Car
        '93 Turquoise 5spd 137K
        '90 White LX Thanks to FB71

        "Your God of repentance will not save you.
        Your holy ghost will not save you.
        Your God plutonium will not save you.
        In fact...
        ...You will not be saved!"

        Prince of Darkness -1987

        Comment


        • #5
          I have the side-back windows tinted but I need to do the hatch and side-front as well. The A/C is blowing cold air but it just can't seem to overcome the heat. Even in my F-150, which was just charged, it takes a few minutes but it will finally cool the whole truck but not the Festy. The temp coming out of the vents is about 45 so it just doesn't seem to be putting enough of the cold stuff out to help.
          '93 Festiva GL / "HOT ROD"
          '02 F-150 Supercrew
          '02 Excursion 4x4
          '98 Jeep Cherokee Classic Limited

          Comment


          • #6
            If your cranking out 45 degree air then nothing wrong with the unit.
            Your just gaining more heat than the unit can over come.
            Check that you have the on board controls set to recirculate.
            Better to try and cool 70 degree air than 90 degree air!
            '93 Blue 5spd 230K(down for clutch and overall maintanence)
            '93 White B6 swap thanks to Skeeters Keeper
            '92 Aqua parts Car
            '93 Turquoise 5spd 137K
            '90 White LX Thanks to FB71

            "Your God of repentance will not save you.
            Your holy ghost will not save you.
            Your God plutonium will not save you.
            In fact...
            ...You will not be saved!"

            Prince of Darkness -1987

            Comment


            • #7
              Need to have the tint to keep some of the hot out and the cool in...:p
              88 LX - Twin turbo, Intercooled :p
              Recently re-chistened from "Cheapstiva" to "Expenstiva"

              Comment


              • #8
                12 cools better than 134 anyday
                ---------------------------------------------------
                The Jester - Midwest Festiva Inc., Missouri Chapter
                ---------------------------------------------------
                BUILD'EM CHEAP, RUN'EM HARD, REPAIR'EM DAILY!


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                • #9
                  try getting the condenser fan from an automatic with factory a/c and some dealer a/c systems too

                  it will greatly reduce your high side head pressure
                  which R-134a produces very fast

                  or


                  look at installing FREEZE 12
                  does a better job at cooling than 134a



                  I am the original

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    yep, set to recirculate, and vent on top only... and on the highest fan speed... if you have 45 coming out, i don't think you can get much better than that.

                    -"Hairlipstiva" 1991 GL 5spd (swapped from an auto), rolling on Enkei 14x6 +38 with 195/45/14 Toyo's, Jensen MP5720 CD deck, tach install, LED strip in cluster, down position rear wiper, FMS springs, Gabriel shocks on 4 corners, Acura Integra short shifter
                    -Escort GT 91 donor car with BP, G5M-R tranny to be dropped in the little guy...
                    -Aspire brake swap COMPLETE!
                    https://www.wunderground.com/persona...?ID=KOKOWASS38

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      I just finished my ac repair down here in fl and i have the same problem i have limo tint all the way around but 90deg or higher and a black car bad color i chose , it just cant keep up with the heat its a lot cooler than windows open though . at night or in the 80s its freezing im going to get my windshield tinted some as well like 30% so much heat and sun comes through it i can probably shave 3 deg off by doing this ! good luck but atleast we have some ac
                      93 L B6T DD http://www.fordfestiva.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=37751
                      RIP_90 LuX http://www.fordfestiva.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=32249
                      RIP 88 LX / B8-MEhttp://www.fordfestiva.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=26398

                      RJ

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                      • #12
                        I really appreciate everyone's input on this. I'll tint the windows and we'll go from there. My Festy's A/C reminds me of the Heat Pump in the south. Once you get over 93 it basically has to run non-stop to keep up. Just part of living in the deep south I guess. Thanks guys!!!!
                        '93 Festiva GL / "HOT ROD"
                        '02 F-150 Supercrew
                        '02 Excursion 4x4
                        '98 Jeep Cherokee Classic Limited

                        Comment

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