Are there any aftermarket AC solutions in 2026?
Posted by Tadeush_Kostyshko@reddit | cars | View on Reddit | 31 comments
So, I drive 1994 Honda Civic without AC. Original AC kit is hard to find and it still needs to be upgraded because it works on R12, it's very expensive and hard to do.
As I know there were no convenient aftermarket AC's or other ways to cool down the interior of the car, but maybe something changed in last years?
MakesYourMise@reddit
the retro fit for r12 to r134a is literally two shraider valves and some math
One_Evil_Monkey@reddit
Not quite.
The lubrication oils are different and not compatible.
R12 uses mineral oil.
R134a uses PAG oil.
Even with new compressor, system needs to be vacuumed down. Can't remember if the Hondas have it separate but the the expansion valve should be replaced along with the dryer/accumulator.
MakesYourMise@reddit
this assumes he has ac to begin with which I don't think he does
One_Evil_Monkey@reddit
I dunno, kinda hard to tell from their description.
I know some Civics from around that era didn't have it. But even if it didn't, shouldn't be too difficult to source hard lines, relays, and a compressor from something from '95-up that would bolt up and was already designed for R134a. Don't really think there was much difference in mounting points on slightly newer Civics, CR-Vs, or even some Acuras.
MakesYourMise@reddit
there's definitely options
One_Evil_Monkey@reddit
Oh absolutely.
MakesYourMise@reddit
true
jabroni4545@reddit
Seen some new electric ac compressor kits that are easy to retrofit to vehicles.
Bonerchill@reddit
This is a good option. Does not require a belt, just a more powerful alternator.
Rbswappedstock@reddit
I used to build and tinker with a lot of 90's Honda's. Just about any civic/integra/crv AC system from 92-2000 can be made to fit. B series uses a larger compressor and slightly different lines except the CRV which has a b20 with a d series compressor and d series AC system. In short, go to a junkyard and pull everything from the firewall to the compressor and swap it in for a guaranteed fit that will likely be cheaper than trying to do an aftermarket kit. Integra uses a full size condenser that works MUCH better but I'm not sure about mounting the b series compressor to the d series, I did have an EM1 with a GSR swap and the integra AC system. It worked better than any half sized condenser Honda that I've been in
BrightAardvark@reddit
DC condenser in EK made a world of difference.
Rbswappedstock@reddit
It does, r134 works well with a large condenser. I don't think Honda cared too much for the civics with the switch from r12.
Missus_Missiles@reddit
How jankety are you willing to go? They sell mini-splits for semi-trucks for a few hundred. You might need to upgrade the alternator on your car to power it. Potentially add a battery/cap to help with the start-up load. It would look fairly ridiculous bolted onto your car, though.
Tadeush_Kostyshko@reddit (OP)
Just googled it, damn it looks funny. But it is an option nonetheless
zman0900@reddit
RV a/c on the roof?
Drzhivago138@reddit
You'd never hear passengers complaining the A/C isn't keeping up.
makkenzier222@reddit
Ah, the '94 Civic experience. At this point, the most effective 'aftermarket' AC is probably just driving faster with the windows down and praying for a breeze. Trying to retrofit an R12 system in 2026 is basically like trying to find a working cassette player for a spaceship—expensve and slightly masochistic
dadmantalking@reddit
ackits.com, used to be owned by a friend of mine. If they can't help you, no one can.
ravenshaddows@reddit
take a 5 gallon bucket fill it with ice and put a pc fan on the lid with a hole for the air to come out
ravenshaddows@reddit
use a swamp cooler
classic__schmosby@reddit
If you can't find a good condition used one, there are companies that make "tucked" kits brand new. Might seem a little funny as they are meant for show cars, but they aren't crazy expensive and better than nothing.
I haven't tried them, but I plan to get a kit like this later this year.
https://www.dc5creations.com/products/ek-b-series-ac-tuck-kit?variant=41307872395397
VerryRides@reddit
Just get everything on rockauto, get an r134a schrader valve conversion kit (like $5) and fill it with r134a from walmart. Ive done that to two different R12 cars and never had a problem.
leedle1234@reddit
People frown upon it but there are companies that sell r12 system compatible refrigerants. Downside is I believe it's basically just propane but it's not like a 94 civic takes much. I filled my na Miata with one of the cans and it works fine. Comes down to your risk tolerance.
thecanadiandriver101@reddit
Junkyard A/C parts + rock auto + a part store freon replacement a la RedTek would be my advice.
It is not worth installing a custom aftermarket A/C system in that car.
NCSUGrad2012@reddit
I would be careful with junkyard parts that are over 30+ years old at this point unless it’s your only option
thecanadiandriver101@reddit
That’s where rock auto comes in. Junkyard for the hardlines and rockauto for everything else
N0fe@reddit
Yeah this is smart. There's probably new parts for just about everything on rock auto but the hard lines will be fine just need o rings. If I remember right r12a is direct replacement for r12, too. Should be cost effective and can be done yourself.
AndrewIsntCool@reddit
Not sure for your car specifically, but there are some companies that can do ventilated seats (Katzkin for example)
Madder_Than_Diogenes@reddit
Vintage Air have compact setups these days which can fit almost anything.
jacky4566@reddit
Restomod Air, Vintage Air. 2 seconds of google search would have shown there are MANY aftermarket solutions.
Doing OEM converted to 134a is the cheapest option.
MakesYourMise@reddit
there's electric ac pumps