I've read that some bugs had dealer fitted aircon's installed. I've found a site in the US that makes them, and even though it will be expensive, I plan on keeping my bug indefinitely. Has anyone installed a/c or have advice? This is the kit that I've heard is the best: http://iceautoair.com/index-3.html 
Thank you

Hmm, interesting, keep in touch before you orde

it is certainly doable - lots of guys from Thailand especially have done it

Need to be careful with the US sites as they are left hand drive

You are better off getting an new style efficient compressor and a custom evaporator

I have seen a few where the evaporator sits behind the rear seat and blows air up and over.
Piping is easy as it is just through the fire wall

There's this old one for sale on ebay http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/VW-VINTAGE-TYPE-1-BEETLE-FACTORY-STYLE-AIR-CONDITI... but who knows it it would work.

The US do a right hand drive version. I asked around for a custom build and the cheapest quote I got was $5k but I think that was the cheapest, not the best for the VW.

This is the response to my first enquiry to the US aircon people:

Yes we have an a/c system for the 1971 Super Beetle RHD the cost is $1695 estimate shipping costs are $400 Thank you. Let me know if you would like to proceed and I can ship to you within a week.


I asked more questions and I got this:
Installation time is 12 - 14 hours our a/c systems come complete with all components to install a/c in your VW

Any thoughts?

I believe the beetle "ARSCH" has air cond retrofitted from a Toyota , I'm sure somebody on here may have more info on that,
Nath

I've had it in mine for 4 years now, I refurbished an original dealer fitted system with all new components but its pretty hard to find original RHD systems you are better off buying a new kit.

That ICEAC system has a very poorly designed condenser system, its mounted in the engine bay where the fan draws in all the heat which cooks the engine.

the Gilmore kit is a much better designed system based on the original dealer fitted ones and priced around the same as the iceac kits.

http://gilmore-enterprises.net/ 

Flat 4 do a unit too.
Not sure if it is viable for you?
https://www.flat4.co.jp/english/dtail-bd.html#BD-771 

contact volkaholics in Thailand, they will have RHD and kits available.

VintageSpeed in Taiwan do a compressor mount kit http://shop.vintagespeed.com.tw/s.nl/sc.12/category.30/.f 
That would save a lot of headscratching, guesswork and fabrication .

As Bizarre advised, you might be better off getting modern compressors and hardware, all easy to find locally. The hardest bit is finding an under-dash unit or in-dash if you have an L Bug.

So having found the hard-to-get bits, if you then went to a competent auto air-conditioner business with a Vintage Speed compressor bracket and an under-dash unit they shouldnt have too much trouble supplying and fitting all the modern gear to complete the system.

Well, thats my theory.... I live in hope as thats roughly my plan.

Also depends what engine you are running. I'd hate to see the power loss of an AC bolted to a 1200 SP.....

With any older or used units like the one listed from ebay, there would need to be a retrofit as the gas used back then is different to modern gas, last time I had one done which was in the late 90s it cost $250 all up including regas and new filters etc.

Also any new system would need to be gassed, if they come from overseas and use a different gas there may be seals needed to bring it up to local spec too.