AboutRon Wolff Expertise I am proficient in the following areas of VW Air Cooled Models from 1968-1979:
Vehicles: Super Beetle, Beetle, Thing, Karmann Ghia, Bus, Westfalia/Bus
Areas of expertise years 1968-1979
Engine Rebuild advice for all air cooled engines
VW Brake system replacement
Automatic Stickshift transmission
VW KOOL and DPD air conditioning systems (ex. thing)
Westfalia Electrical system dual battery
Westy Refridge Repair
Westy Cabinet Repair
Westy
AFC Fuel Injection system (1975 bugs) (1975 bus/Westys)
Soundproofing
General type 4 engine rebuild/technical data (i.e. 1.7 ltr, 1.8., 2.0) for buses
VW Air Cooled Beetle and Bus Paint codes
VW Distributor Compatibility Information
Westy component repair
Emission Systems
Exhaust Systems
General Electric System
Door rebuild (windows, seals, vent windows)
Body Panel Removal and general repair (non-welded)
Charging System
Convertible top Installation: Beetle
CV joints
Engine Troubleshooting
Valve Train
Non areas of expertise:
High Performance Modifications
Front end related components
Rear suspension (spring plate adjustment)
Bodywork / painting
Experience
Past/Present clients I often contribute to the westfalia users group technical boards. I have been a member for about 4 years. My usermame is 76Heatwagen
I restore vintage Volkswagens and currently own 4 of them.
Expert: Ron Wolff Date: 3/22/2007 Subject: Air Conditioning 1978 Westy
Question Ron,
You truly are an expert and I appreciate all of the info you have given out. I recently finished a total restore on a 1978 Westy and I am thinking of using it as my daily driver. I live in Illinois and the summers are HOT. Do you have any recommendations for A/C systems that can be installed? I am slightly familiar with DPD and VW KOOL. Do these systems work? Do they destroy the engine with frequent use? Do you have any other suggestions? Thanks Jared
Answer Hey Jared,
The DPD and KOOL systems take a lot out of the engine, and don't do a great job of cooling.
However, there is a place in Clearwater, Fla called "Gilmore Enterprises" that makes after market VW air-conditioners that work great. (I have one myself).
They have 4 pistons in the compressor instead of one, and use the new freon. He guarantees that it will lower the temp of the interior by 30 degrees!
