We are looking at getting the A/C working in my dads 77 Vette. Wanted to see if there was an upgrade to the 77 A/C or ir is there a way to get the old system working inexpensivily.

We are trying to get a ZZ4 in the car and he wants A/C. I checked Vintage Air but they only list up to 76. Anyone know another system that works better or do I need to use the old system?

Thanks

 

You can probably convert the OE system to R134. If the original compressor is a Frigidaire cylindrical type, not such a good idea. If the later short fat style, you can convert. You could also possibly transplant a late style serpentine driven R134 dedicated compressor if you go to a complete late type accessory drive... like the late Camaros etc.

 

I know this is an old post but I can add to it.

I rebuilt the A/C system in my 76 last year. I used the VIR eliminator and the lightweight aluminum compressor from Ecklers. They both went in ok. The new aluminum compressor looks fantastic, and the VIR eliminator should be trouble free for years.

I also cleaned the evaporator core. It had 30+ years of pine needles, leaves, oak tree fuzzies and other junk against it. It was half covered. I also upgraded the fan.

It all works great!

 

I have an early '77. It had the '73 to early '77 VIR system with an R4 compressor. I was just not satisfied with its performance here in south Florida.

I am in the late stages of installing a Vintage Air system. The only parts that really differ between the '73 to '76 and the '77 result from the new style '77 console and the new '77 heater/AC slide controls. Since I had no desire to try to retain the original controls, I ordered the Vintage Air kit for a '76 with the ECM changed out to accomodate their three **** electric controls. I have mounted these on a trxtured blick off plate covering the hole in the console left from the original controls. This also left room to install a rotary controlled intermittant wiper switch.

The other modification involved the center AC outlets. I created a plenum on the top of the gauge cluster using 2" aluminum angle bonded to it, and a cover bonded to the angle. I modified the Vintage Air piece that is supplied with the '76 kit and bonded it to the angle to pressurize the plenum with cold air. I also offset the entrance to the plenum so that the 2" cold air hoses enter generally from the left side, avioding the usual 'crushed hoses ' complaint that most Vintage Air installs have.

I also got rid of those astro-ball side vents that are such a pita

I will furnish pictures when I get it finally buttoned up.

 

Your stock system can be rebuilt and you can continue to use R12. You can also convert the stock system to R134 and keep the stock system.

Any reputable auto AC shop can have either system running at peak.

 

i had no problem doing just that (converting to R134) with my stock 78 system

 

did it myself R134--works fine!

 

The later 77 A/C orifice tube system works fine.

I replaced the R4 compressor with a ND 6P (similar to Sanden 508) which uses less HP & works great. Compressor, custom brackets & hoses to stock A/C system.


Aftermarket A/C is for cars w/o A/C & is normally recir. only.

For R134, I would use a smaller orifice tube like the Ford (2 O-rings) Red .062 in place of the GM White .072.

 

 

Just wondering did you have any pics of the install... i mainly want a unit to fit behind the 80 dash... the extra ***** (electronic servos of course is no problem...)) i have never been satisfied with the ac systems and todays customers are even more demanding..... thankss

 

 

I replaced my system with parts from Nostalgic air parts.

installation