How much would it cost to put an air conditioner in an old Volkswagen bug?

Question

I'm thinking of buying an old volkswagen bug but i NEED air conditioning. How much would it cost to have one put in? Would I have to bring it in the auto shop alot? I really want one but not if it costs me a fortune just to maintain it.

Answer 1

To install an ac system in an old bug, you're talking 1500-2000 dollars.

Answer 2

I cannot give an exact figure but I can hazard a guess that it would be more than the cost of the car to buy and install it but maintenance would be minimal I think. I have had cars with airconditioning and to the best of my knowledge it has never required maintenance during the 2 years I have had them although they have had regular services so maybe that was included.

I  suggest looking for an owners club online and seek answers from their forums from bug owners, if anyone knows the answers it will be them.

Answer 3

It would probably overload the engine and burn the valves.  Old VW's are notorious for burning valves anyway, they need to be adjusted often with plenty of clearance.

Answer 4

that'll depend on the brand of the AC you want to install. We had our 1969 Toyota Corolla Sprinter installed with a Sanden AC... it cost us $500.