With few exceptions the lowest cost option is to make what you work as it should. Yes, being in the rear cooling effect up front is limited especially when driving facing the sun and getting that afternoon heat hitting you in the face while getting some cold air blowing at the back of your head and neck. Working properly though that AC should be able to cool off the van. 

Front units are nice to get that relief up front. The small car unit is nice as it is a heat and cool package. It would be nicer if it also offered the ability to blend outside air. I have seen some other aftermarket dash AC installations and many suffer from insufficient capacity. Most are designed for coupes and sedans, not vans. 

If I lived in a hot all the time climate and was willing to spend I would look for a solution to have both the original and dash AC. This is very common in newer vehicles. A good custom AC shop should be able to put together a dual evaporator system for you.  You will likely need a larger compressor and more condenser capacity to support it but it can be done. 

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of PB
Sent: Wednesday, August 10, 2016 4:08 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Install Front AC or Keep Stock Unit???

Can a stock AC unit (90 Westy automatic) be replaced with a front AC?
Would there be any advantage price-wise, reliability, use of space, and physical comfort? In my case, rear passengers are a rarity, so I would keep the cool air in the front by putting a curtain behind seats.

Patti
90 Westy Automatic

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