Just Needs a Recharge: The Hack Mechanic Guide to Vintage Air Conditioning

This is already becoming very useful, and will save me lots of time and even money.

Siegel has a breezy, colloquial style that makes for easy reading and, even better, easy comprehension. Read this for a clear understanding of vintage auto A/C and how to work on it -- including what you can do and what's best left to professionals. I was especially impressed by how he covered the legalities -- and ethics -- of working with R-12 and R-134a, advocating for "shade tree mechanics" to act responsibly without getting preachy about it. That's a fine line to walk and he did so admirably and effectively. Also, the chapter organization is excellent, making it not only very readable the first time around but something to turn to for reference later without a lot of hunting around for the right section. I'm likely to read other books by him solely on the strength of the prose and information in this one. First class!

Rob returns, continuing to battle the difficulty of dispensing technical information with his trademark humor and candor, to bring vintage car enthusiasts and home wrenches yet another amazingly useful book. He's proven time and time again his knack for breaking down difficult to digest processes and information, and delivering them in a way that the layman can not only understand, but actually enjoy. I counted myself extremely lucky that Rob released this book just as I was beginning to restore and install the Air Conditioning system in my vintage BMW, as I'd counted on knowledge gained from his books and writings on multiple previous occasions, and this time was no different. He thoroughly breaks down the entire system, how it works, how it can be repaired, restored, and retrofitted. This should join the rest of Rob's work to complete any gearhead's toolset! If you're looking to repair, retrofit, or restore your vintage car's AC, or even if you're just curious about how it works, you NEED this book!

This is a practical guide for fixing or upgrading an AC system for a vintage car. Each major component in the system is described in a clear and logical manner and the theory of how they work together to "create cold" is explained so that a home mechanic can tackle the job.

Ok

I am using this book to upgrade the air conditioning in my 1974 BMW. The original unit is not enough for central Texas heat.

I have dual ASE Master certifications and a great appreciation for the written word. The author has produced one of the best automotive technical reference and instruction manuals that I have ever read. This is especially impressive due to the subject matter. I am impressed with the clarity and detail that is expressed in simple layman’s terms. I could find no disagreement with everything stated and very impressed in which both theory and execution are expressed. This is a most impressive work.

Clearly written in a way I can understand. The information builds on itself in a way that make it accessible. I’ve not gotten too far in, so will have to come back and comment further when I get more read. So far, love it!

I bought this to educate myself in readiness for retro-fitting AC to my classic car. It's perfect for that job. Covers all the detail points that can otherwise trip you up, and that don't seem to get covered in books designed for technicians servicing modern cars. ( e.g. what size/type fittings do you specify when you've got to get your own hoses made up?) Super-helpful for anyone building a system from scratch or moderning a classic that has dead or obsolete AC installed. Highly recommended. Only thing that would improve it would be colour pics - but then it'd cost more...

Dit boek heeft me een goede basiskennis gegeven over airco's in auto's. Het is algemene informatie met de nadruk op klassieke BMW systemen.Zeer goed geschreven met duidelijke voorbeelden en veel herhalingen om het in je hoofd te krijgen.Enige nadeel is dat het een Amerikaans boek is, de besproken maten (inch) en temperaturen (Fahrenheit) is soms wat lastig.

The simple and easy to understand way of doing some DIY on you classic car a/c.Better than the youtube video's

Yet another 5 star review for Rob Siegel’s ‘Just Needs a Recharge’. This is an excellent book for those who like to have a go themselves, packed with details and knowledge but without being dry like a text book. I grew up in the UK and despite being an engineer who does all my own car repairs and restoration, I found myself at a bit of a loss when considering retro fitting air conditioning to my 1973 BMW 2002. Rob’s book has definitely left me well informed and ready to tackle the job with not only the ‘how’ but the ‘why’ on hand. All served up with a dash of humour.

I really really love this book. Nobody has done something like this before. For all the folks that are looking to rebuild, repair or renovate their vintage ac system you need this book. A great reference and a fun read. I thought I had it all sorted out, but no, I would have missed essential steps and great tips. Without it, I would be thoroughly disappointed by the end product.If you are new to servicing your A/C, get it and read it.