here.
To AC or NOT
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 63
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To AC or NOT
Just wanted to get some opinions on AC for my 77 vette. I have all the AC parts in the car but, the belt is off and has been off for over 5 years. Also a light green wire has been cut. With the system not working for that long would most of it need to be replaced (compressor, condensor etc.)?
I have been seriously thinking of removing the entire system. The engine is not original and I am not interested in restoring to original specs. Just want to get some opinions.
I have been seriously thinking of removing the entire system. The engine is not original and I am not interested in restoring to original specs. Just want to get some opinions.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 702
Likes: 1
From: Houston TX.
Well, It get hot here every summer, so most people want/need a/c.
So it really a judgement call on your part. If this is not a typical summer for you, you may just wants to live with the heat for this year, it does use more fuel and some HP. I have lived through some hot summer here without a/c in some past cars that I had and after a couple of summers they had to go. But if I lived somewhere where the weather was nice 99% of the time, I could live without it for one summer. That just me.
So it really a judgement call on your part. If this is not a typical summer for you, you may just wants to live with the heat for this year, it does use more fuel and some HP. I have lived through some hot summer here without a/c in some past cars that I had and after a couple of summers they had to go. But if I lived somewhere where the weather was nice 99% of the time, I could live without it for one summer. That just me.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 11,520
Likes: 13
From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
Originally Posted by RC73
Well, It get hot here every summer, so most people want/need a/c.
... If this is not a typical summer for you, ...
But if I lived somewhere where the weather was nice 99% of the time, I could live without it ...
... If this is not a typical summer for you, ...
But if I lived somewhere where the weather was nice 99% of the time, I could live without it ...
You can expect the compressor is bad which is why the belt is off. If the system is still sealed, it may only need the compressor & wire to it fixed.
If I lived where it was not needed, would remove it.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 383
Likes: 0
From: Columbia SC
Originally Posted by Ganey
It's good that it is not as hot as usual. If you ever want to sell the car in S. Texas for a good price- leave the A/C in! W/O A/C- good luck!
You can expect the compressor is bad which is why the belt is off. If the system is still sealed, it may only need the compressor & wire to it fixed.
If I lived where it was not needed, would remove it.
You can expect the compressor is bad which is why the belt is off. If the system is still sealed, it may only need the compressor & wire to it fixed.
If I lived where it was not needed, would remove it.
Last edited by Pete76Shark; Jul 27, 2005 at 08:32 AM.
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Pro
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 603
Likes: 2
From: Illinois, USA
I also have a '77 where all the stuff is in the car, and the belt is on the compressor -- but I expect it is out of refrigerant.
Which compressor is supposed to be preferred -- the short one or the long one (I can't recall which is called the A4 and which the A6)
I am also thinking that to restore it to operation, I would change it over to a 134a type application since R12 is getting more expensive and harder to get. I've seen kits of seals and so forth for the conversion -- but I would have it done.
Anyone attempted that and have an idea of what it would set someone back?
Brian.
Which compressor is supposed to be preferred -- the short one or the long one (I can't recall which is called the A4 and which the A6)
I am also thinking that to restore it to operation, I would change it over to a 134a type application since R12 is getting more expensive and harder to get. I've seen kits of seals and so forth for the conversion -- but I would have it done.
Anyone attempted that and have an idea of what it would set someone back?
Brian.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 383
Likes: 0
From: Columbia SC
Originally Posted by C3nMe
I also have a '77 where all the stuff is in the car, and the belt is on the compressor -- but I expect it is out of refrigerant.
Which compressor is supposed to be preferred -- the short one or the long one (I can't recall which is called the A4 and which the A6)
I am also thinking that to restore it to operation, I would change it over to a 134a type application since R12 is getting more expensive and harder to get. I've seen kits of seals and so forth for the conversion -- but I would have it done.
Anyone attempted that and have an idea of what it would set someone back?
Brian.
Which compressor is supposed to be preferred -- the short one or the long one (I can't recall which is called the A4 and which the A6)
I am also thinking that to restore it to operation, I would change it over to a 134a type application since R12 is getting more expensive and harder to get. I've seen kits of seals and so forth for the conversion -- but I would have it done.
Anyone attempted that and have an idea of what it would set someone back?
Brian.
So if you are looking at a stock 76 it could have either compressor and still be stock.
In 1977 they should all have the Radial compressor.
I am not sure which one is better but I know the A6 pumps like there is no tomorrow.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 1,612
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix Arizona
Originally Posted by Code Blu
Just wanted to get some opinions on AC for my 77 vette. I have all the AC parts in the car but, the belt is off and has been off for over 5 years. Also a light green wire has been cut. With the system not working for that long would most of it need to be replaced (compressor, condensor etc.)?
I have been seriously thinking of removing the entire system. The engine is not original and I am not interested in restoring to original specs. Just want to get some opinions.
I have been seriously thinking of removing the entire system. The engine is not original and I am not interested in restoring to original specs. Just want to get some opinions.
Bob
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
Thanks for all your replies. I'll think about it some more but, I am leaning towards removing all of it. Even if I did get it to work I have heard that it is really not that good. Installing an aftermarket one would be something I might consider but, way in the future. I would sooner put the money into the drivetrain.
Again thanks guys I appreciate all your comments and valuable information.
Again thanks guys I appreciate all your comments and valuable information.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 11,520
Likes: 13
From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
Actually the A/C is fine!
A/C Compressors
A6 The long A6 is considered by A/C experts to be an excellent compressor.
-Large & heavy- not what one wants in the design requirements for a high perf. sports car.
R4 +Light, small & out of the way.
It is possible to put in a small light compressor that uses less HP
like a ND or Sanden.
Sanden +Uses less HP, light & small. Said by A/C experts to be noisy & not as high quality as the ND.
ND 6P +Uses less HP, light, small, quiet & excellent reliability.
This shows a ND 6P. Note how the A/C lines are run off to the side & then forward & back.
http://ganeys.home.sprynet.com/77ACs.JPG
Originally Posted by C3nMe
I also have a '77 where all the stuff is in the car, and the belt is on the compressor -- ...
Which compressor is supposed to be preferred -- the short one or the long one ...
Brian.
Which compressor is supposed to be preferred -- the short one or the long one ...
Brian.
A6 The long A6 is considered by A/C experts to be an excellent compressor.
-Large & heavy- not what one wants in the design requirements for a high perf. sports car.
R4 +Light, small & out of the way.
It is possible to put in a small light compressor that uses less HP
like a ND or Sanden.
Sanden +Uses less HP, light & small. Said by A/C experts to be noisy & not as high quality as the ND.
ND 6P +Uses less HP, light, small, quiet & excellent reliability.
This shows a ND 6P. Note how the A/C lines are run off to the side & then forward & back.
http://ganeys.home.sprynet.com/77ACs.JPG
Pro
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 603
Likes: 2
From: Illinois, USA
For some reason, I am still inclined to get the A/C working ...of course, I doubt there is a lot I can do myself, as I don't know the condition, and I have no tools for diagnosis.
I understand the statement about the high performance car stuff ...but there are times when I'm just driving, and not pulling .8Gs on the skid pad -- might as well be comfortable those times.
(not to mention, it helps ease things with the wife 
)
I understand the statement about the high performance car stuff ...but there are times when I'm just driving, and not pulling .8Gs on the skid pad -- might as well be comfortable those times.
(not to mention, it helps ease things with the wife )
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 3,053
Likes: 4
St. Jude Donor '03,'11
Originally Posted by Code Blu
I live in Oakville, Ontario Canada its hotter than ..ll right now but, it is not normal.
come to think of it i never really used it when i was in Louisiana because the engine would overheat.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 383
Likes: 0
From: Columbia SC
Code Blu nobody on this forum can tell you what to do on this.
It really is a matter of your personal preference.
If while drive your Vette around town or whatever you notice that the skin around your ankles is on fire then you might decide to keep the A/C and get it working.
If while driving around town you dont notice any cockpit heat issues then you might decide to rip it out.
I did what was right for me as the other members who commented here have done. The cockpit heat was to much when I lived in New Jersey so when I moved to South Carolina it was a no brainer to keep the A/C in tip top running condition. And when I want to get on it I just reach up and cut off the A/C..
If you decide to keep the A/C then you get into can you do the A/C work yourself or do you have to pay a guy to do it. This is not cheap either way.
Whatever you decide Code Blu is right for you. Good luck to you and like they say
Happy Motoring
It really is a matter of your personal preference.
If while drive your Vette around town or whatever you notice that the skin around your ankles is on fire then you might decide to keep the A/C and get it working.
If while driving around town you dont notice any cockpit heat issues then you might decide to rip it out.
I did what was right for me as the other members who commented here have done. The cockpit heat was to much when I lived in New Jersey so when I moved to South Carolina it was a no brainer to keep the A/C in tip top running condition. And when I want to get on it I just reach up and cut off the A/C..
If you decide to keep the A/C then you get into can you do the A/C work yourself or do you have to pay a guy to do it. This is not cheap either way.
Whatever you decide Code Blu is right for you. Good luck to you and like they say
Happy Motoring