beachcomber

Despite a new A/C Compressor and a freshly charged system, I'm still not getting the car to cool inside the cabin. After further investigation, I noticed the condenser was leaking.

In the '73, how difficult of a task is this to do? Can I assume the process is:

1. Remove the hood
2. Drain and remove the radiator
3. Remove the condenser
4. Install new condenser
5. Install and fill radiator
6. Re-charge a/c system

Sound about right? Anything I am missing?

jcloving

I just did this on my '76. For that year, the condenser attaches to the front of the radiator support, not the back. It should be the same for your '73. You won't have to remove the radiator. I put in a new parallel flow condenser with custom brackets.

The rubber grommets are probably shot, you might want to replace them.

Putting the hood back on was the hardest part.

beachcomber

Yeah I hate taking off hoods and realigning them. I'll make sure to put some alignment tape on it.

You do have to recharge the system afterwards correct?

jcloving

Yes, you would have to recharge it. I would recommend having a shop take the charge out for you and then they could check your system later and put it back in. That should be free.

imariver

If you do remove the condenser, make sure that you slide A peice of cardboard between the condender and the radiator to prevent damage to the radiator.

M2C Steve

gcusmano74

Step 1 would actually be, have a shop discharge the remaining refrigerant from your system. You should not have to mess with your radiator and water at all. Just make sure all the shrouding and foam rubber air seals are in place when you put it back together.

beachcomber

Thanks all for the input, appreciate it!

jcloving

Also, when you have the condenser out you could straigten some of the radiator front fins. I bought a fin comb at carquest. A few of mine were bent in front despite the condenser being in front of the radiator.

Ditto on the fan/radiator shrouds.