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MG MGF Technical - Installing aftermarket MGF aircon

Hi all!

I've recently purchased a MGF (built in 1999, delivered in 2000) and am in the process of getting to know it. The only drawback with this car thus far is that it didn't come with airconditioning fitted. I would like to get aircon installed, and was wondering if anyone knows anything about the process of doing that.

I spoke to my local MGF dealer, and they don't have any parts listing for an aircon kit for the MGF. They have all the individual components (compressor, etc) listed, but no complete kit. The sum of the parts is, of course, much greater than what the whole might be.

Any suggestions on how I might go about fitting aircon to this car? Has anyone else put aftermarket aircon in their MGFs?

Any hints, input or advice are very appreciated.

Thanks!
Craig

I guess that there are a couple of options - but obviously ordering all the parts new from your local MG dealer isn't really practical: way too expensive.

Therefore your options are:
1. to install a complete MGF air con system to your car made up from second hand components from an air con equipped car that's been scrapped. This may be possible to source locally, or from specialists like the MGF Centre. It is still likely to be quite expensive - especially if you figure in labour if you are not planning to do the work for yourself.
2. bearing in mind that the aircon in the MGF was never all that sophisticated, then a 3rd party aircon system might be a better bet. No idea what is on the market, but I guess that there must be companies in Australia that specialise in this kind of thing?

Which option you go for will clearly hinge on costs - and perhaps on a desire to keep things 'original'. However, the sad fact is, it may actually be more cost effective to sell your current F, and buy another with the aircon already installed... :o(

Either way, good luck! Do let us know how you get on :o)
Rob Bell

I think Mike Satur had a complete aircon kit (one only) on his website for £1000...not sure if he still has it though.

Tim.
Tim Jenner

Due to the pipework for the rear engine configuration,there will not be sufficient demand for an aftermarket kit making a one off over budget. The AC was a new car option rather than dealer fitted therefore there will be no MGR 'Kit' available.
A Secondhand kit would be nice but may be hard, if possible to find as most write offs are in UK where few have AC fitted.
Rob's suggestion to change your car if you really want AC would appear to be the best option.
Sorry, I am keeping my AC.
Geoff F.
G. Farthing

Have a look at http://www.mikesatur.co.uk/fx01.html

"AIR-CON KIT FOR MGF RHD (not TF)

We have one only available, brand new boxed air con kit at £850.00 plus vat. Fitting service available at extra cost."

I have to say I wasn't too impressed with the amount of intrusion into the passenger footwell - but it sure would be nice on hot days and for demisting! Interesting to note that the kit Mike has is not for the TF - anyone know why?

Tim.
Tim Jenner

Part of the reason may be that the TF wiring completely changed in 2003 - but it may also be a "MEMS thing" - insofar as MEMS1.9/ MEMS2J was superceded in 2001 for MEMS3 - and as we know, a number of aircon functions are controlled by the MEMS...

Just a couple of guesses. I'd suggest that a call to Mike would reveal the true reasons behind the 'not for TF' comment. :o)
Rob Bell

The a/c was developed by Moog automotive in Tamworth and was available through the Unipart spares network and indeed we used to supply and fit this kit which was identical to the 'on line' kit.( This was fitted to our '96 VVC as a aftermarket kit to show the potential) Later in production the main wiring loom was altered so that it was a different part no.and would have been specified as a/c build option when ordering.The kit we have is one of those original kits for RHD MGF cars that would have been available through the dealer network. I guess it could be fitted to a TF as the only difference would be the ECU connections which could be identified easily and possibly a reprogramme of the ECU on test book. Not a big problem to overcome.
Mike.
mike

This kit supply my Moog was closed down already in 1999? is it ?
RHD versus LHD version difference is the front pipe work only. (due to dryer can and front radiator connection. i.e. JUE105780 @65 GBP!!)
Quite expensive parts, of course :)

I think getting the incar aircon equipment from OEM is a must. There's lack of space and difficult special connection to the existing heater box. That plastic mold looks like from special made tooling for MGF/TF.

Regards
Dieter
PS having a nearly complete RHD aircon in the attic for *later use* :)
Dieter K.

Hmmm. . . doesn't look like I can thread messages here so I'll just reply en masse.

Firstly lads, thanks so much for the input. I was really pleasantly surprised to see so much help here this morning. Thhanks!

Rob: The second-hand idea is a great one. I might send some feelers out.

Rob and Geoff: Rob, you're quite right that there are some companies here in OZ that specialise in aftermarket aircon for 'prestige' (read: fiddly) cars. I did get the car for about $5,000 less than a similar model fitted with air con. I got one quote from them for an aftermarket installation that was about 3 grand, so figured the price reduction was worth it. If worst comes to worst, I can go that way and sill come out a little bit ahead.

Tim: That's a fantastic link (about Mike Satur)! Thanks so much for it.

Mike: I'll be in touch to find out more. The exchange rate may be against me (850GBP is about $2400 aussie dollars) but I'd be interested in talking to you about shipping costs, etc. I'll need to ask if there are any compliance issues for Australia (gas type/emissions/etc), but shouldn't think so.

Dieter: Fortunately, we're right-hand drive here in OZ, being an ex colony and all. So I'd not need any kind of RHD to LHD conversion. I think you're quite right that OEM equipment would be the preferable option. I'll just have to see how I go sourcing some! Danke :)


Craig

Sorry - just wanted to add:

Dieter, your web site is amazing.

And you guys on this BBS are providing a wonderful help to newbies like me who are more or less clueless about the car. Thanks very much for sharing your experience and time.

Craig.
www.craig.com.au
craig

Gday craig,
Good luck in finding a second hand unit here in oz. I live in perth and find it very difficult to get non MG part here due to the small number of cars . The only dealer here sux and will never see me or my car again, they could not fix a leak in a paper bag usless lot they are. Hope things are better on your side of the woods

Mike D
M L Dippenaar

Hi Craig

As you reside across the ditch, a quick call to MG Service Centre, 7 Stevens St, Christchuch, NZ might be worth a try.

I believe that they specialise in importing damaged F's from Japan for their used parts business.

Most Jap import Fs seem to have aircon.

The phone number is 0064 3 365 0151.

Best of luck.

RH
Hutz

This thread was discussed between 25/01/2005 and 26/01/2005

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