Excels and Air-conditioning

[JimmyC379]

Does anyone know if the 1986 - 1988 SE Excels came with air-conditioning? I am trying to track down a good one of these year models and non I have come across have AC.


Thanks

[robertverhey]

Yes an option on the non-SE and SE, and standard on the SA.

[JimmyC379]

Thanks Robert - I can't seem to track one down - they must be rare.

[JimmyC379]

Hey Robert your from Australia too! How long have you had your Excel? Have you enjoyed owning it? Has it had any major issues?

[robertverhey]

Hi Jimmy

Imported my '87 SE in 2003, took a year or two to get it all refurbished and sorted, and it's been a delight ever since. Surely one of the best drives around. Air con is a must in Oz. The later Toyota aircon is ultra reliable and effective

If you're Sydney based you're welcome to drop by

Robert

[JimmyC379]

Hi Robert,

Thanks for the offer I'm up in Brissy, so I need the AC even more than you Sydney siders! I'm in the middle of trying to track a good one in the UK. I love the idea of a 25 year old naturally aspirated 4 putting out 180hp and you can't go past the real Lotus 4 sound.

[STELL]

I think that all the cars sold through Wendells in Sweden are with AC. But there are only about 17 Excels registred/sold that way.
My first car (-88) Sold new in Sweden has AC but with LC engine
My second car(-87) , orginaly sold new in Germany is without AC but HC engine.
I am to change the HC engine to the -88 as the -87 is a sparepartcar

[tr0078]

Jimmy,

I too spent some time looking for an Excel in the UK with A/C last year - they seem to be pretty hard to come by.

I ended up buying a car from Brisbane to which the previous owner fitted a fully integrated aftermarket A/C system. He did a terrific job and carefully documented everything. I'd can pass on a copy of the info he gave me, or see if he's happy for me to give you his contact details since he is local to you.

Good luck with you search. A little to closer to home, there are two SE's in Melbourne that I know of that were recently for sale, and a Pre SE which needs a buit of resto work that also may still be available. All three belong to Lotus Club Victoria members so you'll honestly know what your buying.

Cheers,

Brad

[JimmyC379]

Hi Brad,

It is starting to make see why I can't find an Excel with AC. Brad I saw a 1991 red excel for sale in Aus recently but I don't want red and they wanted $21K. The only other one I have seen is one that is basically dead and needs a full recondition. I checked the Lotus Vic website and no excels for sale. If you have the details of the air-con mob that did the AC on yours that would be great.

Cheers

[tr0078]

Hi Jimmy,

Will scan the A/C info I have tonight so I can email it to you.

There was one advertised in the club magazine, though not online, in Geelong, which from what I understand is basically sound but needs a new headlining - not sure if it has A/C. I'll scan the ad for you also.

There's also a silver pre-SE advertised in Brisbane - if you're happy with the LC engine it seems a pretty good buy.

Cheers,

Brad

[bash]

I would also be very curious as to how an aftermarket system was made to fit, Im toying with fitting it to mine, which coincidentally is an 86 se. Any chance you could cc me into the email.

Bash

[JimmyC379]

Cool thanks that will be great Brad.

[tr0078]

No worries,

I've now got some stuff scanned, PM me your email adresses and I'll forward it on.

Cheers
Brad

[macavity]

Hello All,
I realise this is an old post but I am looking to retrofit A/C to a 1987 Excel SE and would appreciate any advice or documentation on how to do it. Located in Sydney, Australia.
Cheers, Gary

[bash]

See my v8 link from page 15 onwards.
viewtopic.php?f=7&t=8397&start=210

Also andy did it to a standard excel.
viewtopic.php?f=36&t=12499

To be honest a combination of the two methods means you could do it without all of the kit from another car. You don't need all the old electrics for instance it can be run just from the trinary switch. The bit under the dash between the fan and the heater assembly could be fabricated depending how handy you are and a generic rad used. All the other bits are standard generic bits. But you might have to fabricate a compressor mount. I'm not going to say it was easy or quick but it is possible.

Bash