Managing Director – Bridge Classic Cars
The new heater blower has been temporarily fitted up. Before we make this 100% secure, firstly the engine will need to be fitted up and the air conditioning components installed.
Since the early 1920s, Clayton Classics has been supplying products to the automotive industry and has always been at the forefront of technical innovation. Part of a larger business that provides vehicle heating, cooling and air conditioning solutions, the Clayton Classics division was created in 2005 and focuses on world-class restoration of classics cars.
The air conditioning systems have been developed, tested and enhanced over many years on Clayton Classics’ own cars.
There are several alternative air conditioning systems;
- A fresh air system replacing the original heater in the engine compartment. Installed in place of the existing heater unit and blowing through original air ducts into the car, the heater/evaporator unit works in the same way as the original heater unit, drawing air from the bonnet duct before venting into the car through the original plenum chamber. The heater and fan are much more powerful than the original, and using heating and air conditioning together provides de-humidification in wet weather.
- The fresh air system can be extended to include a re-circulation option if required. The heater/evaporator unit is modified to provide re-circulation from the passenger footwell using the pedal blanks on the bulkhead. This provides better performance in hot climates where the ambient temperatures plus the heat soak from the engine can overwhelm a fresh air system. To fit this unit the battery must be relocated to the opposite side of the car where the original canister air filter is fitted. The original air intake box can be modified to accept an ITG washable filter.
- A centre console mounted system in the radio tower. This unit leaves the existing under bonnet heater as original. The evaporator is installed behind the centre console, blowing air directly into the car. A new slightly modified centre console is provided (untrimmed) in the kit, which when installed is almost identical to the original. This is the most powerful option, suitable for all climates, but does result in loss of radio and ashtray space. A modern radio can but fitted elsewhere, possibly with a remote fascia. This unit does not provide direct de-humidification but can be used on low setting together with the original heater (or one of our upgraded heaters) to control humidity on cold wet days. It is also possible to combine this unit with a fresh air heater/ac under bonnet unit with changeover controls to allow use of either system depending on climate requirements. There are no vent options with this kit, the standard installation is as shown in the photo.
- A passenger footwell mounted system for 2+2 and Series 3 cars only. The evaporator unit is installed in the passengers footwell, venting air into the original plenum chamber. The unit takes up 160-170mm of space within the passenger footwell; on a 2+2 car this is not a problem, and provides a foot board for the passenger.
- Additional air-vent options. The performance of any new system will be compromised without better air flow, so we strongly recommend additional vents are added into the car to improve performance and air distribution. Vents are both essential and included on the centre console system, the alternatives shown here do not apply.
Heat insulation to the floor, transmission tunnel and under-bonnet air ducts is also strongly recommended (and is a very worthwhile improvement in itself ). Clayton Classics supply very effective aircraft quality non-combustible insulation in roll form, as well as Dynamat.
The performance of any new system will be compromised without better air flow, so we strongly recommend additional vents are added into the car to improve performance and air distribution. Different options are pictured below.
Vents are both essential and included on the centre console system, the alternatives shown here do not apply.
The kits are complete including a powerful engine fan, except for compressor mountings and pulley (which vary depending on engine spec and any previous modifications). Separate fitting kits are available for most configurations.
An upgraded radiator is strongly recommended. Clayton Classics can supply both aluminium and copper/brass radiators, up-rated performance.
Here we have pictures of the air-conditioning being installed into our 1967 Jaguar E-Type restoration project.
