DIY 12V Electric AC Compressor Parts List for ANY Car

Full Install Guide Video https://www.youtube.com/…

Here’s my part list for installing the 12v Electric AC Compressor. This setup is universal but you will have to figure out what specific fittings will work on your car.

Required Mods

High Output Alternator https://js-alternators.c… 
– The AC compressor calls for about 50 amps and so I would advise you to get a high output alternator that is at least 50 amps more than your stock one.
– My stock alternator was rated for 100amps, I upgraded to a 250amp alternator (K Series) because I have electric power steering and other accessories.

Big Three Upgrade 
– Video Guide https://youtu.be/gnmXKjm… 
– You must upgrade your charging system along with upgrading the alternator otherwise the 12v Compressor will not have enough power to run. 
– OFC wire is highly recommended 
– 0 Gauge OFC https://amzn.to/45d8dZz
– 2 Gauge OFC https://amzn.to/3JhN0FF 
– 4 Gauge OFC https://amzn.to/3LghdFy

Core Components

12v Electric Compressor https://amzn.to/4lu8kot
– Replaces belt-driven compressor
– Runs on 12v
– Draws 600W (50amps)
– Uses R134a refrigerant

POE 68 Oil https://amzn.to/41uc95S 
– Lubricates electric compressor and prevents damage
– Must not use PAG, be sure to flush the entire system out.
– Replace Receiver/Drier to remove old PAG oil.

AC Hoses & Fitting Kit (Standard) https://amzn.to/45K5IOt 
– This kit uses standard fittings, perfect for domestic vehicles like Ford, Chevrolet, etc. 
– These fittings will NOT work if you have a Honda or other imports that use metric fittings. 
– IF you do not use this kit, you will NEED to source #10, #8, and #6 size AC hoses. 

Metric Fittings https://coldhose.com/col… 
– You’ll need to identify the fittings your car requires using a digital caliper in mm
– You’ll need to find the thread pitch by using a thread pitch gauge, mine were 1.5 pitch for Honda 
– My evaporator fittings were M24x1.5 and M16x1.5 but not all Hondas will be the same. 
– My Receiver Dryer fitting was also M16x1.5 but if you install a universal Drier, it may come with standard threads.

Standard Fittings https://vintageair.com/b… 
– If you’re working on Hotrods or domestics in the US, you’ll want to source your fittings here 
– you can use these new E-Z Clip fittings in case you don’t want to invest in a beadlock crimp tool https://youtu.be/QV3zE3Z…

Electrical Components

100A Fuse (recommended) https://amzn.to/4lr8exX 
– For safety, protects compressor power circuit from shorts
– Install within 12” of battery positive
– Use with fuse. Holder for easy replacement
– Match fuse to compressor draw (50A-80A; 100A for safety)

100A Relay (optional) https://amzn.to/4mBMrVd 
– Safely switches compressor power, preventing wiring overload

Condenser Fan https://amzn.to/4magBPo
– Use any universal fan you’d like 
– The compressor will not kick on without a fan hooked up 

Fan mounts https://amzn.to/3UU3buS 
– Use this to easily mount your can onto the radiator or condenser 

8 gauge OFC wire https://amzn.to/40ZCoRv 
– The Compressor Kit comes with 8 gauge wire but you’ll most likely need to extend them. 
– I highly recommend using OFC, not CCA wire. 

Compressor Fittings (A) with service ports https://amzn.to/3J9EDvu 
– These are 90 degree fittings for the compressor, please note the different hose sizes.
– I couldn’t find 90 degree fittings (with service ports) that would fit my evaporator (firewall ports) so these were perfect for my application 

Compressor Fittings (B) for standard threaded fittings https://amzn.to/4fxqHY4 
– My condenser also had a port instead of a threaded fitting so I still needed this for my setup.
– If the compressor fittings mentioned previously does NOT fit your setup, you will need to use this on the compressor (and the third one for the condenser) but it uses standard threaded fittings. (It will still work on import cars using metric because you’ll simply source a standard fitting for these ports or use the ones in the Hose & Fitting kit)

Tools

Hydraulic A/C Hose Crimper Kit https://amzn.to/4lpJRRk 
– You will need this to create the beadlock hoses 
– OR you can take the hoses to a local shop that can crimp the fittings to the hoses for you
– If you’re using standard fittings, you may want to consider the slip on style hoses that do not require a special tool https://youtu.be/u15jGNh…  

AC Flush Kit https://amzn.to/3KSbzJS
– You’ll want to flush out as much PAG oil from the AC system as possible
– This kit requires an Air Compressor and AC Flush Fluid

AC Flush Fluid https://amzn.to/3KSbzJS
– Chemical used to clean out AC parts such as Condenser, AC Hoses, Evaporator, and etc.

Notes

Hoses
– #10 hose –  evap (low) to compressor 
– #8 hose – is for compressor to condenser 
– #6 hose – condenser/dryer to Evap (high)