My understanding was until 1986 the only way you could get A/C was as a dealer add-on once the van hit the US shores.  And what you describe is that add-on.

In '86 they went to the factory rear mounted system with a distribution tunnel down the center of the ceiling.  A nicer install in my book (at least for non-Westy).

When I bought my '86 ordered with A/C they tried to pass on a retro-fit pre-86 dealer add-on.  I rejected that van and waited another month for one with factory air.

Kerry
'86 syncro, 177K
kstanley@cas.org

-----Original Message-----
From: Drew Bedford [mailto:drew@bomb-proof.com]
Sent: Tuesday, April 03, 2001 2:25 PM
To: vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com
Subject: Odd AC contraption

I was trolling around at my local wrecker and happened on a Vanagon with
an AC system over the driver's seat area. The hoses ran from the engine
area under the van, then up the passenger's-side pillar just forward of
the sliding door. The temperature controls and vents were all situated
up on the ceiling. It looked to be about an '83 or '84 van. Has anyone
seen this before? I obviously haven't, but was wondering if I could
transplant this into my 83.5. I'd be happy to sacrifice my headliner for
some cool in the summer. Pros, cons, experiences?
TIA,
Drew Bedford
83.5 Westy
Park City, Utah