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Cabriolet (maybe Tin Top) Genuine A/C Kit - Left Hand Drive

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A unique chance to own a (mostly) complete kit.

So, after collating all these parts to add A/C to my Cabrio, I have unfortunately had to accept that modifying a RHD car to accept LHD A/C is technically possible, but I no longer have the time to do it (6 month old plus a new project).  I am offering it on the forum first as I think that someone in the MK1 club should take advantage of this collection of bits, rather than on ebay.  That being said, I would like to get the stuff shifted as soon as possible, so I will pop it up on ebay if no one fancies it.

If you do own a left hooker, then this should just drop in (you need to cut the pressed plate where the wipers sit, and enlarge the existing hole for the airbox intake, but VW helped with this by marking them out anyway! Easy piesey).  I would recommend doing this with the dash out, as it will be much easier to fit, and route everything correctly.  I have collected a number of pictures from the net over the years to help understand how it goes together – I will forward these on to help.

Would this fit a tintop?  I don’t know to be honest, having never owned a tintop, but given how common they appear to be, I’m sure it could be made to work.

How did I come about all the parts?  I had to import all these parts in from America, and pickup what I could from Germany in terms of new parts.  I believe I have probably 95% of the bits required (I know people say this a lot, but it’s a best guess based upon what I understand from the VW Parts catalogues etc.) What is certainly here is all the big ticket stuff like the AC box, vent ducting, knee bar, centre consoles etc.  What you will also note is that I tended to duplicate on most things, as I only wanted to import stuff once.

I have tried to be as open and honest about the parts included.

I will try and explain all the bits in order:

Air Boxes:
I imported two of these, as I was unsure of whether they were fully intact from the pictures.  One of them I have fully restored, with new seals etc.  Both fans work fine (different to non-ac cars).  The old airbox has a broken section on one of the vent ducts, but this could be repaired if it was ever required.  Both boxes include the heat exchanger – I have no way of testing these, but I also have no reason to doubt that they will both hold pressure.  The AC air box has two additional bracket to attach it to the dash – I made up two blanks mirroring the originals (cant buy the originals as separate parts) – I will through these in, and send a picture of where they attach.

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Last edit: by JEVW


VW Golf Mk1 Cabriolet - Rivage In-Build. Again.

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Recirc Vents
This sits in the rain tray, with one end going to the AC box (through the bulkhead), and the other (with the vacuum controller) providing either recirc or fresh air into the car.  I bought two sets, one of which I have restored, with the other as a spare.

Engine Control Solenoids
These sit in the engine bay (one of these already exists on GTI models) – basically I believe this ups the revs when the AC is on to compensate.  There are two sets of these.

Vacuum Bulbs
Bought two again – these strap to the underside of the bonnet, to provide a vacuum supply to control the actuators.

Air ducting
I have a full set of interior ducts, including the genuine AC middle vents.  Some parts are duplicated.

Condenser
Only one of these included – again it looks in working condition, but I cannot test it myself.  This is a genuine part.  I will through in another condenser (new) from a new jetta – this might provide an alternative in the event that it does not work.

Centre Consoles and Knee Bar
These are different on AC cars – the knee bar includes the ash tray and electric window switches.  Two centre consoles are included, one even has an illuminated tape holder.
The all important fasica panel is there, and the control slider (again, two are included).  I also purchase a new blower switch as well – I don’t think this will be needed but is included regardless.

A/C Lines
I think I have all the lines required, but, to be honest, I would recommend getting these remade anyway – they are old, so probably aren’t worth the risk.  I think the only bit which may be missing is the section with the A/C pressure switches attached to it – the condenser has this section attached but it looks to have been cut.  It’s a small section, solid pipe, so should be easy to manufacture.


VW Golf Mk1 Cabriolet - Rivage In-Build. Again.

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Loom
I believe I have extracted what is required for the loom, including a new AC relay and a base plate for it, however I went in belt and braces, so it is at the very least a full interior loom from a US spec car.

Engine Bay Parts
The drier holder (and brand new canister) is included (zinc plated).  Also included is the sandern compressor (SD508) – this was working when it was taken from the host car, but I cannot confirm either way.  The lower alternator bracket is also included (it is slightly different to the non-AC cars).  The AC bracket bolts are all included (again, clean and zinc plated).  I also purchased the R134a conversion kit, so all new seals and the fill valves are included.
I have also included the support which attaches to the gearbox, to support the AC lines.  Also there is the AC version of the alternator pully which is offset.  Also included is the pully off the crank, which I believe is also required.

Misc Bits
Some of these bits I am not entirely sure where they go.  I tended to ask the person selling the parts to throw in everything, just in case.
I have also included a new reel of vacuum line from VW (rigid and flexible).

I’m going to pitch this at £600 all in – I know what it owes me, but I don’t expect to get it back.  Happy to negotiate on price if you are interested.
I would prefer for this to be collected (Ripley, Derbyshire) – there are a number of boxes, some quite large, for all this stuff.  I could, if given enough time, stick it all on a pallet, if you would prefer to have it shipped, but I would ask that I am given time to package everything up accordingly.

Let me know if you are interested.


VW Golf Mk1 Cabriolet - Rivage In-Build. Again.
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