YACT: calling out modern car grease monkeys

[NeoPTLD]

Alright, so I wish to install air conditioner in my 2003 Focus.

I can order the parts for ~$900 shipped.
The cheapest installed quote I got was $1700.

The kit supplier says this isn't the easiest install. Is it hard enough to justify paying someone $700 to do it? What kind of tools do I need to install it except for the charging which I will have someone else do?

 

Sounds hard as hell. $1700 + $900 = $1600...that's more than 10% of the car's current price.

Is that really worth it?

 

[BCYL]

I had it done on my 2000 civic before, and I paid someone to do it for me ($1500 with install and warranty)... IMO it's well worth it, because the kit is pretty complex including the pulleys and the A/C pump and charging it etc

 

[HESDog]

With very little room in the engine compartment to work with, it would pay someone else to do it as long as they could give some warranty on their work.

It is easy to do on my old Mustang, but I would never attempt on today's cars.

 

[cjgallen]

Originally posted by: HESDog
It is easy to do on my old Mustang, but I would never attempt on today's cars.

Yep. My bro's Mustang engine compartment is roomy, you could almost stand inside 😛

 

[Wingznut]

As an ex-mechanic, I've installed these kits more times than I can count.

No, you do not want to do it yourself. Not only the engine compartment components (compressor, pulleys, condenser, etc.), but you have to remove the entire dash and heater core asssembly to install the evaporator.

But even more important is to get factory parts. Then it'll be just like the car originally came with A/C.
Aftermarket kits NEVER fit very well, and heaven help you if you need to replace a part in a year or two.

 

[cavemanmoron]

Originally posted by: Wingznut
As an ex-mechanic, I've installed these kits more times than I can count.

No, you do not want to do it yourself. Not only the engine compartment components (compressor, pulleys, condenser, etc.), but you have to remove the entire dash and heater core asssembly to install the evaporator.

But even more important is to get factory parts. Then it'll be just like the car originally came with A/C.
Aftermarket kits NEVER fit very well, and heaven help you if you need to replace a part in a year or two.

sell the car,buy one with A/C,
or Trade it in. 😉