Hot Rod Air makes an aftermarket air conditioner for a C3 which they say bolts right in and sells for $1150 for the complete unit. It comes with a 5 year warranty on all parts.

Anyone have any experience with this firm and this product? Does it keep the car cool?

I made some phone calls about this kit. And when I called the company they said that it does bolt in, but it requires modifying the stock controls and part of the car. If memory serves me correctly you will need to remove the stock heater/blower box in the engine compartment and block it off with a panel that they supply with the kit. Then their unit will mount on the inside under the dash. Not sure what else is required.

Ask them if they can email you a PDF file of the instructions sheets or see if they have them on their website to see what all will be involved. Even if you have to buy them the instruction sheets it could save you a ton of headaches and lost funds down the road.

Yes I am still installing my air conditioner from them. They do have good customer support though it took them a while to get me my order 2 weeks overdue there estimated time. One of my a/c hoses was the wrong length but I told them and they sent me a new one the correct length. The a/c evap and fan and heater core all fit behind the dash. If you got a 78 - 82 you lose your glove box. I opted to by one of their pinnacle controlers for it and modified my center counsel plate to fit it. I had a broken controller and I like the apperance of the pinnacle with the levers. I also bought the polished compresser which looks great. The total for me was around $1350 with the options added. I still havent finished setting it upo and charged so I cant tell you how it performs. Tearing out the old A/C was the hardest part for me. so far its nice.