How important is A/C?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 472
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From: Warren NJ
How important is A/C?
I'm in the market for a C3 (just came off a C4) and I hear all these stories about the heat in C3 cockpits.
I'm definitely going to get a convertible, but do you think A/C is also necessary? Does it get THAT hot????
I'm definitely going to get a convertible, but do you think A/C is also necessary? Does it get THAT hot????
Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 541
Likes: 5
From: Epping NH
Re: How important is A/C? (fulopd)
Not necessarily. My 69 coupe had no AC, and I drove it around in 90 degree heat all summer, with the T-tops off. Heat from the transmission can be overcome with insulation under the rug. It is cheap and easy to install.
Mark
Mark
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 26,555
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From: Florida
2021 C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified 2020
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St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
Re: How important is A/C? (Burgandy 69)
I only use AC about 50 percent of the time in Florida, but it sure is nice to have when you want it. :)
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 182,997
Likes: 88
From: Lakeland, FL
Cruise-In IV-V-VI-VII-VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03, '06, '17
Re: How important is A/C? (fulopd)
If you have a convertible - you don't need A/C... otherwise - it's necessary...
I have no A/C on my 68 but I only drive in nice weather with the top down...
:cheers:
Olivier
I have no A/C on my 68 but I only drive in nice weather with the top down...
:cheers:
Olivier
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,770
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From: St Louis MO
Re: How important is A/C? (fulopd)
When I was shopping for a C3, this is how I looked at it: Buy a vert, won't need a/c. buy a coupe, need a/c. However, I live in MS. Summers here are very very humid.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,411
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From: Dandridge TN
Re: How important is A/C? (Brettmc)
Even with a vert there will be times that A/C will be nice to have. For instance the little lady is all dressed up and you guys are going out on a hot date on a hot day and she don't want her hair messed up. :cheers:
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Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,593
Likes: 103
From: Southern Indiana
Re: How important is A/C? (fulopd)
To me one without air is more valueable,but if you lived in texas then you might want air.
I have looked and can't find one without air that doesn't have a small fortune for a price!
I have looked and can't find one without air that doesn't have a small fortune for a price!
Parrothead
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 48,231
Likes: 289
From: Margaritaville Embassy
St. Jude Donor '08-'09,'13, '14
Re: How important is A/C? (fulopd)
it boils down to how well you tolerate heat, and your driving habits. If you are a sun child, and it's gonna be a fair weather car, I'd say no, you don't need AC. the second you drive in the rain, the heat in the cockpit will make you wish for it
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 5,635
Likes: 4
From: Orlando Floriduh
Re: How important is A/C? (Burgandy 69)
Not necessarily. My 69 coupe had no AC, and I drove it around in 90 degree heat all summer, with the T-tops off. Heat from the transmission can be overcome with insulation under the rug. It is cheap and easy to install.
Mark
Mark
[Modified by silvervetteman, 4:06 PM 9/26/2002]
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 11,840
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From: Galloway NJ
Re: How important is A/C? (Markm10431)
When I got my IR thermo tester, I went for a drive and it hit 150* at my feet, hehe... but it averages like 120 on normal days* I'm just used to it now, but not needing the use the heater in the fall is nice :D
Drifting
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 1,411
Likes: 1
From: Wylie TX
Re: How important is A/C? (Markm10431)
I don't have the A/C installed on my car. It came with it, but it didn't work. I did not spend any time trying to figure out what was wroing with it and it is in my attic right now.
I live/work just a few miles north of Dallas TX, so I see (although not this year) my share of 100+ degree days. I drive my car daily (12k miles since Nov) and if I knew it would only take me a weekend and $200, I'd still not re-install the A/C. It's just not worth it to me. My car is parked in a garage both at home and work, so I'm never getting in a 130* car. If so, I'd probably fix my A/C.
Also, since all these cars have T-tops, I really don't see much difference (especially in the '68-'73 with removable rear windows) between the 'vert and coupe as far as wind in your hair goes.
I must also say that I don't (intentionally) drive in the rain. This has more to do with non-working wipers and big leaks around the windshield than it does the lack of A/C.
[Modified by Chris A, 3:21 PM 9/26/2002]
I live/work just a few miles north of Dallas TX, so I see (although not this year) my share of 100+ degree days. I drive my car daily (12k miles since Nov) and if I knew it would only take me a weekend and $200, I'd still not re-install the A/C. It's just not worth it to me. My car is parked in a garage both at home and work, so I'm never getting in a 130* car. If so, I'd probably fix my A/C.
Also, since all these cars have T-tops, I really don't see much difference (especially in the '68-'73 with removable rear windows) between the 'vert and coupe as far as wind in your hair goes.
I must also say that I don't (intentionally) drive in the rain. This has more to do with non-working wipers and big leaks around the windshield than it does the lack of A/C.
[Modified by Chris A, 3:21 PM 9/26/2002]
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: The reason time exists is so everything doesn't happen at once
Re: How important is A/C? (fulopd)
I live in NJ and have owned a 69 coupe for 7 years. It is an A/C car, but the a/c has never worked. With the tops off and the rear window out you can survive a typical NJ august day (although the car may not do so well.)
With proper insulation the cockpit won't get much hotter than just standing out in the sun.
With proper insulation the cockpit won't get much hotter than just standing out in the sun.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 11,322
Likes: 1
From: Living in the Hartland
Re: How important is A/C? (fulopd)
He was very important to both Michigan and Minnesota but was unable to help deliver a title to either. :)
On a totaly unrelated topic: I get claustrophobic when my top is up so having no air conditioning is no biggie to me. I do roast the nuts when it is hot.
On a totaly unrelated topic: I get claustrophobic when my top is up so having no air conditioning is no biggie to me. I do roast the nuts when it is hot.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 599
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From: High Point, NC
Re: How important is A/C? (fulopd)
I have a 69 t-top (Black) no a/c, I keep the rear window out of it most of the time and as long as you are moving its fine. When you pull away from a light you can feel a blast of heat for about 30 seconds, but its not unbearable.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 579
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From: Pflugerville/ Colllege Station TX
Re: How important is A/C? (page62)
In Texas, it is quite simply a necessity! :mad