The Deadly Heat

[wyatta4]

Originally Posted by larrybuck

There is more info on the Dirt cheap cooling help post in this same section.

Aside from that, there's no magic cheap cure. I have a CRX also!

When you mentioned sometimes passengers; I instantly read picky female!

The humidity in Idaho is nothing compared to back east. I think you could go with dual from behind fans aimed at each seat, and just try to toughen up!

The best body configuration that lends itself to natural cooling would be a small PU w a sliding rear window. They do wonders!

Yes, it is a female. Haha.. Aftermarket a/c doesnt seem to bad of an idea now........ haha

[gasstingy]

If you're going to use your air conditioner most effectively, you might consider insulating your car and getting a temperature blocking film for your windows.

I have no personal gain in what choice you make, but in a quick Google search, I found: Vintage Air company sells aftermarket air units designed for the old car crowd and they list insulating products that can go above your headliner, inside the door panels, under carpet, etc. 3M's web site lists a window film material called Crystaline Auto Film that is made to block heat, not darken windows. This may make your car more comfortable without needing the air as early in the cooling season or as late in the cooling season. It could also make an A/C unit with a thermostat controlled compressor {if any car units do that} run less often. Good luck either way.

Personally, I run my Kia Rio's A/C only on the way home from work during the summer and anytime SWMBO rides along.

[pstrbrc]

OK, you got me looking. Check this-
Portable air conditioning - 12 volt - air conditioners - Evaporative coolers

Basicly a top for a cooler, with a fan blowing into the cooler, and a vent letting the air out. Insert ice. Seemed cheesy to me, until I realized that they only want $40 for this. Heck, I don't think I could make it for much more. Gonna buy one.
BTW, no, I don't even know if this is a reputable company, much less have an interest in it. Caveat Emptor. YMMV. yada, yada, yada.

[Exalta-STA]

How about a roof scoop? the same thing they use on rally cars to cool down the driver and the navigator while being more aerodynamic than open windows





and I also like the suggestions made by others..adding window tint/film reduces heat A LOT!

then while parked outside, leave a couple of windows open about an inch and get those windshield shades made of foil

[Old Tele man]

...anybody remember these (below)? Back in the mid-1950's we had one on our 1955 Ford Station Wagon down in Yuma, AZ.



...worked GREAT when humidity was low, worked OK when it was typical, DIDN'T work at all when the humidity was high, though.

[Exalta-STA]

oh yes I see those on trucks at vintage car shows. How much do those things cost and are they still available?

[BamZipPow]

Originally Posted by Exalta-STA

oh yes I see those on trucks at vintage car shows. How much do those things cost and are they still available?

There's a few on eBay. Looks to sell from $300 to $450 depending on the bidding.

I guess you could try to make yer own out of PVC pipe...

[Arragonis]

Instructables has this personal AC idea, would that be of use ?

[ConnClark]

Originally Posted by Arragonis

Instructables has this personal AC idea, would that be of use ?

not to make fun of the idea or creativity, but I'm LMAO about the phrase "It's 87 degrees and scorching outside". This person needs to visit someplace hot for a change

[PaleMelanesian]

Indeed. We're at 104 and still climbing right now.