Re: '70s Spider A/C?

["John Hertzman" <johnhertzman@domain.elided>]

In AD8-725 Dean Cains was looking "for some pictures and general information
about the "factory/dealer" installed A/C in early '70's Spiders.  A friend
with a '71 is attempting such an install, using both original and other
parts", and Bill Bain replied that "Up until 1983, I believe, all A/C in
Spiders was dealer installed.  Alfa supplied a "kit" for that purpose but the
factory didn't do the installation."

I believe Bill is right, but only for the Bosch cars. I do have factory kit
parts lists and installation instructions for US-made Behr systems in the
early Bosch Spiders. For the Spica-era cars, it is hard to prove a negative,
but I will go a step further and doubt that there was ever a
dealer-installable factory system, or other aftermarket system, applicable to
a Spica Spider. Both the factory systems and factory-supported
dealer-installed systems for Bosch engines could be fitted to a '71 along with
a Bosch engine, and could probably be installed on a carbureted car (whether
factory carbed or retrofitted) but not on a Spica-equipped car, as the rotary
compressor goes in the space dedicated to the Spica pump. The space used for
the piston-type compressor on 115 Berlinas and GT Veloces and Alfettas extends
above the Spider hoodline, and the below-hoodline part is I understand
partially used for the air-pump in the Spiders of that era; the Alfetta coupes
and sedans had room for the air pump next to the Spica unit, but 115 cars do
not.

This doubt of mine is supported by factory literature lists; there is a
supplemental air-conditioning parts book #2125 for Montreals, #2254 for the
Alfettas, #2267 for the 115.01 GT Veloce, and #2266 for the 115.00 Berlina,
but not one for the Spider; there is also an air conditioning manual #1976 but
it is purely theory and trouble-shooting.

One of the sharper lurkers who just occasionally comes out of the digest
closet once suggested that a Spica 115 could get by with a split pulley from a
Bosch system, a compact rotary compressor mounted where the alternator
normally goes, and a small alternator mounted on top of the compressor, but it
would be tight and very much a build-custom-brackets system. A complete 115
coupe/Berlina system could be fitted if one was happy about big power-bulges
in the hood, but that could give a very deceptive impression. My best
suggestions are that one either glory in open-air motoring, which Is what I
thought Spiders were about, or swap the elegant '71 for a mid-eighties Bosch
Spider or other originally air-conditioned ride.

Good luck,

John H.
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