Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => Body, interior, paint, chrome, and cosmetic items => Topic started by: DickLewis on January 17, 2014, 01:14:11

Title: Adding Air Conditioning
Post by: DickLewis on January 17, 2014, 01:14:11

Question.  I am restoring my 250SL which did not have a/c.  I am curious of the opinions of all of you about adding a/c.  The restoration is fairly high level but I am planning on driving the car and taking it to Mercedes Club events but I also want to add value in the long term which to me is 10 years.

Is adding a/c a good thing in the long run for re-sale or not?  It also looks like the newer units will be immediately noticeable to any judge or car enthisiast so what are your opinions please?

Thanks.

Title: Re: Adding Air Conditioning
Post by: dpreston Virginia on January 17, 2014, 01:36:11

Dick,
I added an aftermarket A/C to my 280SE Cabriolet and it makes the car so much more enjoyable. The A/C is identical to the one you can get at Buds.  I drive the car much more when I know I can turn on the cold air.
It could easily be removed, so I don't think it hurts the value of my car.
I will probally add the same A/C to my low mileage very original 280SL at some point in the future.
David

Title: Re: Adding Air Conditioning
Post by: Shvegel on January 19, 2014, 03:14:00

David, Where did you buy your kit from? 

Title: Re: Adding Air Conditioning
Post by: DavidBrough on January 19, 2014, 10:49:44

I installed the Bud's kit in my car about 8 years ago and it works fine and could easily be removed if necessary

Title: Re: Adding Air Conditioning
Post by: dpreston Virginia on January 20, 2014, 02:00:54

I ordered it from the guy that makes them for Buds Benz.
He sold them him self for a while. I don't think he sells them direct now.
David

Quote from: Shvegel on January 19, 2014, 03:14:00

David, Where did you buy your kit from? 

Title: Re: Adding Air Conditioning
Post by: Wayne on January 29, 2014, 21:15:00

Im may buy a doner car to butcher for parts,it's a 280se and the car has original air con on it,will this fit to a pagoda with minimal alteration..or us it just a bad idea

I believe the cars share many parts,hence I'm buying for an engine

Both cars 1970

Thanks

W

Title: Re: Adding Air Conditioning
Post by: 69280sl on January 30, 2014, 03:09:26

Wayne
Is the underdash portion of the 280se A/C identical to that of the sl?

Gus

Title: Re: Adding Air Conditioning
Post by: George Des on January 30, 2014, 13:56:03

Typically, the interior evaporator units on the sedans are much different from those used on the W113s. Some sedans used a Behr unit and some a Frigiking. All of the W113s I have seen with the dealer installed option used a Frigiking or Kuhlmeister evaporator unit that is essentially the same design. The underhood parts used in the sedan can be used on the W113 if the compressor is converted to a modern rotary unit like a Sanden. Do a search and you will find a post on this by Joe A. I've got the Sanden unit in my 230Sl with the Frigiking underdash unit. I did not use the sedan compressor bracket like Joe did instead using a bracket similar to the ones used with the Buds Benz unit, but may convert it over should I decide to keep the a/c unit in the car--I hardly use it anymore now I am in Florida and prefer to just go topless--I don't drive it around during the summer here since I'm usually up in Maine, so it is not a big issue

Title: Re: Adding Air Conditioning
Post by: Wayne on January 30, 2014, 20:26:12

Great thanks for your replies
I'll check out and if it can be used then I'll post on here
Thanks
W

Title: Re: Adding Air Conditioning
Post by: catjim813 on February 05, 2014, 22:16:46

Is there another supplier besides Buds Benz that has these kits that will fit the 113 cars?