AC Reinstall

[Butch65]

Hey guys! Need to know what can be reused of the original under hood ac system ? What do I need to replace? As far as I know the clutch and compressor were in working order when we took them off - that was about 2 years ago.

Trying to get an idea of time/ cost as I'm back and forth on staying stock or modernizing.

Thanks!

 

[jbojo]

Are you sticking with R-12?

 

[72HCODE]

you should look at the hoses for any rubber degrading, cracks etc.

possibly replace the soft rubber lines.

the dryer will need to be replaced.

o-rings should be replaced.

you need to decide if you are going to convert from R-12 or not.

the condenser should be pressure checked, as it can be damaged by rocks hitting the front of the car as you drive.

the system should be drained and the mineral replaced, based on what freon you will be using R-12 or 134

from there the system will be vacuumed and if it holds pressure then it can be filled and see if it works additional repairs are possible.

should be about 300-500$ to get it back together. total replacement can be over 1000$

 

[Mesozoic]

I would upgrade to a modern Sanden or even better, Seltec HD compressor. Definitely R-134a. Needs a dedicated high efficiency parallel flow condenser. New receiver/drier, R-134a specific expansion valve, and new hoses. The only stock items to keep are the OE evap core if it's in good shape and the OE HVAC controls inside the car. I would also consider running either an aux cooling fan that runs whenever the A/C is enabled or switching completely to e-fans.

 

[jbojo]

I would upgrade to a modern Sanden or even better, Seltec HD compressor. Definitely R-134a. Needs a dedicated high efficiency parallel flow condenser. New receiver/drier, R-134a specific expansion valve, and new hoses. The only stock items to keep are the OE evap core if it's in good shape and the OE HVAC controls inside the car. I would also consider running either an aux cooling fan that runs whenever the A/C is enabled or switching completely to e-fans.

+1

I would just switch out the evap core while you are at it. 40+ year parts will fail so avoid the headache now. Might want to consider a pressure switch to shut off the compressor if Freon pressures get low to avoid seizing the compressor if you should have a line rupture while driving with the AC on. Its a $25.00 switch vs a cost of a new compressor.