The best years are 87-91 with the SD-709 compressor and really powerful
blower fans.  The biggest problem with the Westy is the fact that the
cold AC air blows onto the back of your neck which can be
uncomfortable.  I recommend a fan in front of the driver and passenger
that can catch some of that cold AC and blow it into your face where it
feels good.  The AC on the later model Westies should blow nice and cold
even with R134a as a replacement refrigerant.

Ken Wilford
John 3:16
www.vanagain.com

Courtney Hook wrote:
> A relative in Redlands California is looking at Vanagons and asked me a great question, but I don't have a great answer. He wants to know which years Vanagon Westy would have the most reliable/best air conditioning, as he spends a lot of time doing desert photography and is in the heat often. I didn't feel qualified to answer it. Is there ANY stock VW Westy airconditioning worth owning, or have people upgraded compressors etc, to get better reliability/cooling ability. This would be for a Westy of course. (Vanagon) so I'm thinking the later ones with watercooled might be a better basis?? (Just guessing of course)
> Courtney
> ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
> Always be yourself, because the people that matter don't mind,
> and the ones who mind, don't matter.
>
>