Add A/C to 2001 manual?

[masscommuter]

Can I add A/C, i.e. retrofit to a 2001 w/ 5-speed?
If so at what cost
- my labor?
- hire a shop?
- dealer does it?

[flunkysama]

The kit is about $1000. Here it is on H and A's web site
If you don't install it yourself, you'll probably pay $1000 in labor. Do a search.

Is an Insight with A/C worth $2K more than one without? You might be better off trying to find a nice insight with A/C and selling yours.

[masscommuter]

Thanks - $936 plus shipping at H & A.

Hmmm ...
selling mine, buying another incurs costs like sales tax & time & effort.
and the AC kit would be new

I wonder, how much work is involved in the install?
a weekend? 2?
special tools?

[tuna1]

$900.00 for kit from Majestic Honda in RI. Where are you located.After you install kit you need to pull a vacume overnight on system to remove air in system,and check for leaks.Install directions are online.A goodset on handtools for the install,then you could take it to a AC shop for the R134a install. It can be done in a weekend.

[masscommuter]

RI ? I used to commute there every day .. now it's up 128.

So when you say "can be done" in a weekend ..
sounds like maybe a 3-day weekend.

[tuna1]

No a 2day weekend should get it done. I could help,have vacume pump and guages.I have a 2000 also,but have not installed the AC because without it i can change my oil and filter with car on the ground-not even on a set of ramps.With AC system in place you have do a oil change from under the car,and then deal with the underpanels removal,besides the hit to fuel milage that occurs. Do you really need the AC on the few days here in the NE that it would be required. I live in central Mass.,Worcester.

[Dougie]

Might want to ask the dealer just to find out how much they would be...

[Jackmpg]

Hi Masscommuter,
Infidel has a real interesting solution under "mpg issues" in this forum, something I was looking for a long time ago. AC that operates independantly, may be a real good idea. Looked up installing factory AC for someone else, very time consuming, allot of opportunities to really mess up your Insight. They just about have to gut the car, to put it in. I would definately consider Infidel's possible solution. When I bought my '05 the dealer said "we have an '05 we can install the AC into". I went home and checked the service manual, "not a chance", was my response. Hope this helps, Jack