what is the cost to install an air condition unit to a 1969 Volkswagen Beetle?

Answer 1

First things first 38 year old car airconditioner kit will no longer be available. Secondly the car only had 54 horse power thirdly putting A/C on an air cooled engined car running condencer and hoses front to back dealing with drains and limited knee room where the a/c gos. relocating the fuse panel. Back 30 years ago I installed lots of airconditioners made by Volkswagon Products Inc. Good luck

Answer 2

Did any of the bugs leave the factory with a/c no, neither did they ever leave Germany with a radio. But it was a option like the radio, and unless you have a very early car then there was probably one bad for your year. Here's an ad from 1963 from VW about it: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/lit/63ac.php

Not sure of your year but you maybe to find an ad for the correct one for your car: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/lit/

Anyways with that said they where in no way a perfect system, the took up shape(in the engine compartment, I don't see how the underdash part would be worse than a parcel tray thought), made it alot harder to replace your spark plugs under the compressor, an original one with in no way be able to compare to a modern car(but how many 40 year old a/c compare to new cars).

Anyways if you want one:

Originals: can be found on eBay / thesamba.com for about $300 but replacement parts are going to be a killer to find

Modern Units: check out thesamba.com and search the topics. There like $1,500 and up, but there out there.

Swamp Cooler: where do you live? Do you like in a warm dry climate? If you live in the the a very humid place there about worthless, but if your dealing with dry heat this maybe a good option. You can find them on eBay form any where form $100 to $300. Not as good as a/c but they do cool things down abit. All so they make modern unit but there not cheap.

So, in the end it comes down to now much money your really willing to put into it. The beetle was meant to a simple car without a lot of luxury items like a/c so there's honestly only so much you can do.

Cheap idea have you though about installing some rear-pop out windows if there 65 and up you can find them dirt cheap(eBay, thesamba.com) and it may help with a little more air flow in the car.

Also you car doesn't have one of those one piece window kits does it? Horrible kits when people remove this vent windows, which realy help cool the car. Another dumb thing to check are you sure your heaters are completely sealed up and not leaking any heat in?

Good Luck

Answer 3

I agree with the prior two posters. It's just not a good idea.

A much better solution is to go forward in time 30 years and get a 1999 New Beetle with factory A/C. :)

Answer 4

go to a Private shop and ask for the cost it cheaper then go to the dealership or find a mechanic that u can trust and ask him to fix it for u

Answer 5

more than its worth. Open the window and drive fast!!!