1971 Avanti air condition imorovement

[Dave Carter]

I have had the car for 15 years. My factory a  /c has never made the car very cold. How  do I greatly improve it?

[ronmanfredi]

Are you getting cold air out of the vents but the cars interior isn't cooling down OR is the air not cold coming out of the vents?

[mfg]

Truth is ‘63-‘85 Avanti air conditioning systems really can’t compare with newer vehicles A/C.., mainly because of  (I believe) the lack of adjustable vents built into the upper dashboard.

[Adam DeRosa]

We'll nee some more information before offering suggestions.

1. What's the current condition of the AC system? Are the compressor, condenser, hoses, evaporator, etc in good shape? Is the system charged properly? 

2. Have you taken steps to minimize outside heat from entering the cabin? Are all engine compartment grommets and seals in place? Are the footwell fresh air and heater doors closing properly? Is the heater control water valve closing properly? 

[Jim S]

I have sealed every single opening (in my 72) from the engine compartment and placed Dynamat under the carpet. And yet my interior gets very hot (even in cold weather). I’m at a loss as to how to keep it cool inside. AC would not help in my car no matter how well it worked. 

[Mel]

I remember reading one very early review of the Avanti.  The author stated the car did not have A/C but he could keep the temperature tolerable on the southern California highway by closing the front windows, opening the front foot vents, the center air vent with the temp control off, and the rear seat side vents.  Haven't tried it, but may.

[mfg]

16 minutes ago, Mel said:

I remember reading one very early review of the Avanti.  The author stated the car did not have A/C but he could keep the temperature tolerable on the southern California highway by closing the front windows, opening the front foot vents, the center air vent with the temp control off, and the rear seat side vents.  Haven't tried it, but may.

I think that author worked in the Studebaker PR department!!!