A/C help please
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 896
Likes: 3
From: Washington MO
A/C help please
Does anybody know how in the world your supposed to get the dryer out of an 81 C3? I have the compressor out and the lines loose, but have no f-ing ides how to get the lines off the dryer and then the dryer out from behind the fender. There isn't any room, I already took out the side gill and I might be able to get to the bottom line, but the top line and bracket seem to be in an impossible location to gain access to them? HELP PLEASE, I have the Man Cruise coming up next weekend!
Thanks Zane
Thanks Zane
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,098
Likes: 1
From: west babylon new york
i did 1 on a customers car ,i removed the side grill and the lower fender reinforcement or shield and with a little wiggling it came out, i changed the a/c lines while i was there
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,431
Likes: 52
From: Florida
It's harder to get the big wrenches on the fittings than it is to actually pull it out. Removing the lower splash shield is how I removed mine. I also wrapped mine in thin aluminum backed insulation before reinstalling for a heat barrier, used the stainless steel zip type ties to keep it on.
Last edited by jimvette999; Apr 21, 2010 at 08:55 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,086
Likes: 1
From: Michigan
It will come out the bottom if you take the access panel out. Remove the two front screws from the rocker panel molding to gain access to the last 2 screws that hold the panel in place. A crows foot wrench will help get the lines disconnected.
This is how I got mine out of my '79 last summer.
This is how I got mine out of my '79 last summer.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 896
Likes: 3
From: Washington MO
This is how I got mine out of my '79 last summer."
So exactly where is this access panel that you all speak of? I have looked and not found. Is in part of the wheel well housing or somewhere else. Anyone have a pic of exactly where said panel is.
Thanks again, I'm inspired to keep trying on my own now instead of taking it to a shop.
Zane
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,086
Likes: 1
From: Michigan
At the bottom of the wheel well at the back aft of the tire you will see two bolt heads. They are the first 2 screws to come out. Then remove the two front screws on the rocker panel to reveal the last two bolt heads that are screwed in. The panel is actuall seen form the underside of the car. It also has some putty type sealer that you will pull off as you remove the panel. Then with the accumulator/dryer loose (including the pipe that has a band clamp on it) will lower enough for you to get the hoses off. Then it just slides out the bottom. I have a garage lift that made life a lot easier. I would guess it's a pain trying to do laying on your back.
Make sure you do all the right things when you reconnect the system and charge it back up again. There is a lot to go wrong if you don't do it completely and correctly.
Make sure you do all the right things when you reconnect the system and charge it back up again. There is a lot to go wrong if you don't do it completely and correctly.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 14,112
Likes: 28
From: Florida
If going from the bottom, be carefull removing the rocker panel screws. That can create it's own set of problems if you have never had them off before. Put lots of petetrant on the 4 bolts of the splash panel too
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 896
Likes: 3
From: Washington MO
OK, I have looked and apparently I have no such access panel. I too have a lift in my shop and there is no panel. I took the rocker panel off and there are no hidden screws behind it, so I guess my 81 is different than your '79 is somwhow? I'm guessing the only other way is to try and remove the coolant resorvior bottle and see if that gives me enough access. The bottle doesn't look to be the esayiest to remove either though. Oh the joys of owning a Corvette!?!?
At the bottom of the wheel well at the back aft of the tire you will see two bolt heads. They are the first 2 screws to come out. Then remove the two front screws on the rocker panel to reveal the last two bolt heads that are screwed in. The panel is actuall seen form the underside of the car. It also has some putty type sealer that you will pull off as you remove the panel. Then with the accumulator/dryer loose (including the pipe that has a band clamp on it) will lower enough for you to get the hoses off. Then it just slides out the bottom. I have a garage lift that made life a lot easier. I would guess it's a pain trying to do laying on your back.
Make sure you do all the right things when you reconnect the system and charge it back up again. There is a lot to go wrong if you don't do it completely and correctly.
Make sure you do all the right things when you reconnect the system and charge it back up again. There is a lot to go wrong if you don't do it completely and correctly.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,086
Likes: 1
From: Michigan
OK, I have looked and apparently I have no such access panel. I too have a lift in my shop and there is no panel. I took the rocker panel off and there are no hidden screws behind it, so I guess my 81 is different than your '79 is somwhow? I'm guessing the only other way is to try and remove the coolant resorvior bottle and see if that gives me enough access. The bottle doesn't look to be the esayiest to remove either though. Oh the joys of owning a Corvette!?!?
When I rebuilt my A/C I removed the coolant resevoir as well. It was a PITA to get out and it would only come out after I removed the A/C hoses to the compressor and moved them out of the way.
