Originally Posted By Brer Jules I'm driving down in August from Vancouver Island, through Washington, Oregon and CA. Trouble is - I dont have air conditioning. Is this going to be completely unbearable? Is it worth $1400 to have a/c installed in my car?
Originally Posted By Goofyernmost I would certainly want AC but then I think back to all the family vacation road trips I took with my parents in the 50's and 60's. No AC and those blasted clear plastic seat covers. We all survived but I don't remember it as an altogether pleasant experience. No seat belts either. How did we make it? Windows wide open and everyone sweating like mad men. Good times! My father smoked a pipe back then too. We were convinced that he had a tobacco blend that consisted mostly of rope that had been soaked in some random septic tank. He also never stopped for anything. My sister and I now have bladders that would comfortably hold the contents of Lake Michigan.
Originally Posted By avromark It depends on your comfort level, do you mind slight sweat? I don't think it's worth installing A/C unless your car is newer, and you plan on keeping it. They sell these little fans that go into the cigarette lighter, that could provide a little extra breeze. Also do you wear light colours? You may be better off just tinting your windows (as long as it's legal in BC). Your car won't "burn" as you enter. The highway should be fine without AC, it's in the gridlock traffic when you hit Ca that will be the problem. Also if it's 1400, would it be cheaper to rent a car for the trip? The difference then though is the rear window of your wagon (if it wasn't a sedan) could open creating essentially a wind tunnel, also as a kid you didn't complain as much. Also you moved which created wind, compared to now, also less pollution.
Originally Posted By TALL Disney Guy I looove sweatin'. And I love car heat---my sis and I both do. There's nothin' much better on a hot, humid summer's day than sittin' in a car not runnin' with the windows up. AHHHHHHhhhhh...
Originally Posted By Disney Joy OK ~ Tall Disney Guy ~ you need a little counseling :O)) Goofyernmost ~ Thanks for the laugh. I have driven to DL without air before and it was a little unpleasant, but I was so excited to go it was ok. Then the next year I got a newer car with AC - got a couple hours from the house and the AC went out. phooeee Since then I been on the new car kick every couple three years - Air is nice. I also drove from Oregon to Vegas with no air - nothing but desert - now that was dumb - never again. I thought we would all(my kids) start flying like sausage in a hot skillet anytime. Miserable drive - would never do it again with AC either. Nothing to look at but ORANGE.
Originally Posted By oc_dean I'd rent a car if I were you. Step into oc_dean's office for a sec ... Now listen to a native who grew up 6 miles from DL .. and still living in SoCal.... Our Augusts are NASTY! The average temp for the day is 85. But count on it being higher passing through the San Fernando valley. More like 95! It's actually once you hit Bakersfield area ... the sweating party begins. Orange County is generally a few degrees cooler than LA County (being closer to the ocean). I understand the hefty costs for an R-134 Refigeration system for your car ... but take it from a SoCal native who melts easily in 80 degree whether ... rent a car .. and keep that a/c blasting .. especially when your car is at a crawl through LA!!
Originally Posted By Tinkerbell819 The rent a car idea sounds like a great one! During the summer there are usually deals for vans. Last year we had a long trip and rented a van for less than $300. (for the week.) It was more comfortable than driving our car w/no a/c and I felt more secure b/c it was a new vehicle. Cars are even cheaper to rent, but the van was more comfortable.
Originally Posted By Brer Jules Thanks for all your input....I'm thinking a 'no go' on trying the trip without the a/c. My car is only 2 yrs old and is great on gas (which a rental would be too I guess if I got one of a similar class). One thing about buying a/c is that my car will be easier to sell down the road and I will not have this problem for the next road trip we decide to take....
Originally Posted By disneyfreaksk Just drive along the coast where it isn't so bad. The further inland you go, the hotter! I would use the money at the park
Originally Posted By dzy76 Brer Jules - since your car is fairly new and you'd most likely be using again for more trips(hopefully) and if you have the $$, I'd invest in the a/c.
Originally Posted By Goofyernmost Just ask around first...I have never heard anything good about after market air conditioners. It's hard to do well after the car has been assembled completely. See if you can find others that have had it done and find out how it turned out.
Originally Posted By friendofdd I agree with post 11. If you cut over to HY 101 at Grants Pass Oregon you'll find it much coolet going through California. It will take addition hours of driving time, however.
Originally Posted By CindyH Is it possible to drive at night? That's how DH and his family used to do it, on I-5, during the summer in the 60's and 70's.
Originally Posted By ploeb909 Look, I gota be honest with you...I would never drive in S.Cal in August without AC. Are you kidding?! When you get there you will have an enormous pain in your head! Not to mention your patience level will be tested, not a good way to arrive at the Happiest Place on Earth. Either rent a car or bite the AC so to speak. You wont regret it either way.
Originally Posted By MomofPrincess I think it would be extremely exhausting and a very long trip to drive that far without A/C (unless maybe you did the driving strictly at night). I would either get the A/C or rent a car. Good luck!
Originally Posted By Kar2oonMan When I was a kid, my dad had a '67 Impala. Black vinyl seats. No a/c. We survived driving long distances on summer road trips. You roll down the window, badda bing, you got air conditioning. Don't make me pull this car over.
