I have 65 L76 Roadster with factory AC, TI, Power Windows, Hardtop, Teak telescoping steering wheel, Wilwood brake syste . Car runs and looks great. I would classify it as very nice driver, but the heater core and evaporator both need replaced and the shop suggested I install a 134a conversion kit. I am considering selling the car and I'm trying to figure out if it makes sense to have the recommended repairs done as they are pricey (3k-3.5k). Would it better to sell "as is" or would having the repairs done increase the value enough to justify the expense? Would the AC conversion diminish the value of the car?

 

you have a very rare car. I would suggest keeping it stock.

 

I would say you increase you ability to sell a car for top dollar that has everything working.

The 134a conversion is cheap and will not diminish value. Fixing the evaporator and heater is where you’re spending the money.

 

Conversions decrease value unless the buyer knows little. Who is your targeted market?

 

The car was completely restored in the early 80's and side pipes were added (I have the original valance panel for rear exhaust). I have had the car repainted, interior refurbished and added a Wilwood brake system to the car 2 years ago as the original brake system had corrosion problems which were causing reliability issues. I have also replaced the carburetor (have the original). I am open to suggestions as to target market, but I would think the most likely buyers would be someone looking for a very nice driver or a collector who wants it due to its rarity. Only 25-30 were made with the 365/AC/TI combination, add in all the other factory options and the car is pretty rare.

 

I would make the conversion. I would estimate for someone where a/c is required the $3.5k investment is worth $5k over declaring it has a non-working a/c unit which always invites other questions about why, what else doesn’t work, etc.

 

This is not as straight forward as it seems. Some A/C items to note. If you have the original compressor it should have an oversize drive pully, 6 3/8 in diameter, it will be obvious and stick out lick a sore thumb. Consider having that rebuilt or replace it with an APCO unit and shelve the original. The APCO looks like the A6 compressor GM made. If you go with an APCO unit you will have to use the standard pully it comes with as they are not interchangeable. Then there are the evaporator pressure controls, know as an Suction Throttle Valve and Absolute Pressure Valve, APV along with a Temp Expansion Valve, THX. If you retain these components you will find parts are hard to come by and you need to find a technician who knows how to test and service them. You could update the system somewhat with a 67 evaporator and use a POA valve to replace the STV. But you would need to know the minor changes in brackets and hoses, Also just replacing the heater core and evaporator core misses addressing the seals in both halves of the A/C system, they need to be replaced. Oh yeah, removing the evaporator box with the engine in place is doable but time consuming. The upper limit of $3500 might be a little light. If you were keeping the car and had an A/C tech who knows his stuff, I would spend the money to bring the system back to original but know it will not circulate or move air like a modern system. Since you are considering selling I think it is a wash as to increase in value especially if you do not have that big pulley on the compressor as it was never released as a service part. My opinion others may disagree.

 

The OP didn't say anything about the compressor being bad?

Just did a 134a conversion on a Factory AC 64. $20 for the High and Low Side Adapters

Updated the STV Valve using 63-66 AC STV Valve Update Kit for $90.

Evaporator and Heater core R&R is the hard $ part

 

Speaking as an owner of a 365/AC/TI/PB/Dual Master/PW 65, top $ comes if all the original parts are present and operational. Conversion to 134 is negative, but converting to cycling clutch and removing parts is a big hit. Not operational is, however a bigger hit on $. Top $ buyers just want to shine and drive. Bargain hunters are willing to do repairs. But knowledgeable buyers are going to take a big deduct for missing parts as they know what they cost to replace.