Can I replace factory AC w smaller unit?

[handtowel]

So I plan on keeping my bus’ original AC but it’s just so big and bulky that I’m wondering if I can have someone replace it with something smaller but still using the same wires and tubes as the factory AC.

I don’t know much about HVAC and I haven’t seen much discourse about this so I’m not sure if theres a really simple reason why more people haven’t done this.

Any info would be helpful thanks!

[fo4imtippin]

It's probably rifled air or carrier trans cool.
I believe in 2003 it was a $9000 option, so I bet a smaller evaporater would cost a ton from them. You may be able to find one at a scrapyard and reinstall, but even DIY, you'll spend money on guages, vaccum pump, $300 of r134a and various fittings needed for the hookup. I would advise that if it's working, just to leave it. If it's rifled, below are the options of evaporators that they have.
Bus Air Conditioning Evaporators - Rifled Air Conditioning

[cadillackid]

you certainly can replace it.. my suggestion would be to install a bulkhead evaporator up-front in the front bulkhead. if you are insulating your bus well you may very well be able to delete the rear system altogether if your bus has 2 and the passengers plan to ride up front during road trips.



here is an example of one. don brown isnt likely the best place. shop around for a used one or better pricing but id expect to pay a grand or so for one.



https://donbrownbusparts.com/product...002-1001325385


these are typically sized very similar to a Carrier EM-1 or a Trans/ AIR 4-vent dual blower system.


not knowing what your current evaporator and condenser model numbers are makes it a bit tougher for me to help you out..

[cadillackid]

Originally Posted by fo4imtippin

It's probably rifled air or carrier trans cool.
I believe in 2003 it was a $9000 option, so I bet a smaller evaporater would cost a ton from them. You may be able to find one at a scrapyard and reinstall, but even DIY, you'll spend money on guages, vaccum pump, $300 of r134a and various fittings needed for the hookup. I would advise that if it's working, just to leave it. If it's rifled, below are the options of evaporators that they have.
Bus Air Conditioning Evaporators - Rifled Air Conditioning

the Most common systems are Carrier Transicold and Trans / AIR (factory OEM for bluebird)..


ive taken some Rifled-air and others out over the years.. ACC / ACT are showing up more nowadays under the brand ProAir LLC. If you want to build a complete custom system then ProAir offers all kinds of neat gear to do it.. I gutted my Driver Heater Box and built a custom Dashboard A/C system that also features dehumidified Defrost.. this doesnt cool the whole bus (I have more units).. but does make the driver area nice N cool away from engine heat!

[fo4imtippin]

Has anyone converted from rubber to copper linesets and brazes/solder? The barb fittings seems to be a weak point.

[cadillackid]

Nada. I use burgaflex fittings and never have leaks.. built my front system 5 and a half years ago and haven’t added Freon .. my rear system 2 years..

Copper and braze is too Boomer-Esque for me and I don’t like it in a vehicle with vibrations ..