77-a/c?

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Sep 16, 2010 | 03:51 PM

daanbc

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Melting Slicks

Joined: Aug 2010

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From: Palm Beach Florida

St. Jude Donor '12

77-a/c?

Has anyone replaced or put in a A/C system in a 77? Is it very expensive? I'm thinking about purchasing a 77, but the air compressor was removed when the motor was rebuilt. I don't mind spending 1200. But if it's gonna cost more then I will not go ahead with the purchase. Thanks.

Last edited by daanbc; Sep 16, 2010 at 03:53 PM.

Sep 16, 2010 | 04:19 PM

wolklp

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Joined: Jul 2007

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From: Waterloo IL

I'm going through my car top to bottom and I've been shopping for some alternatives to stock components. The compressor (R4) is one of the weak links on my system if you have the A6 style - good for you. The VIR on my system I'm replacing with an eliminator in favor of an accumulator. I've looked at some of the aftermarket stuff but most of the places selling stuff are of virtually no technical help with answering questions (makes you wonder about their customer service). It would be nice if there was an easy swap to a Sanden style compressor that didn't require buying a kit costing some big bucks. I can get a new R4 comressor with clutch for around $350 and the VIR eliminator ran me $150. I bought some new hoses to replace my old ons and a harline to replace one of the high pressure ones I had to cut to remove and I should be able to get this thing cooling.

Sep 16, 2010 | 04:49 PM

daanbc

Thread Starter

Melting Slicks

Joined: Aug 2010

Posts: 2,487

Likes: 10

From: Palm Beach Florida

St. Jude Donor '12

I don't know what kind of system it had. All I know it that it needs a comp. and I will assume a bracket for it also. I just wanted to get a feel of how much Im looking at-worst case scenerio. If it's gonna cost me more then 12 to 1400. then I will not make the purchase. I was hoping someone would know. Thanks.

Sep 17, 2010 | 07:59 AM

markdtn

Le Mans Master

Joined: Aug 2003

Posts: 7,720

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From: Chattanooga TN

77 will have an R4 compressor (76L-82). If you had a photo of the engine bay we might be able to tell what is missing and give a better idea. If all you need is acompressor (and dryer and expansion valve) then you might get out for under $1200. If they cut the lines, broke the evaporator, removed the condensor, etc. then you can get out under $1200 doing it yourself, but not at a shop most likely. Anyway, show a photo and we will have a better idea of what you have.

Sep 17, 2010 | 08:50 AM

noonie

Race Director

Joined: Mar 2006

Posts: 14,112

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From: Florida

Here is an uprgrade kit that will work with the older valves and the oriface systems too.
Probably your best bang for the buck considering the parts included.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1969-...Q5fAccessories

Sep 17, 2010 | 09:12 AM

Easy Mike

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From: Southbound

Cruise-In II Veteran

Purchase the 77 assembly instruction manual (AIM) and take a look at the diagrams of the factory AC installation. The AIM will show all the parts required and list the original GM part numbers.

Your missing compressor is an R4; you can get remanufactured R4s over the counter almost anywhere. Any automotive AC shop can have your original AC sytem up and running for less than $1200.

If you want to make the switch to R134a, now would be the time to do it.

Sep 17, 2010 | 10:14 AM

oneshot

Pro

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 609

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From: Round Rock TX

Quote:

Originally Posted by noonie

This is the way to go. I have a 77 that needs the AC replaced and when I talked to these guys about it. They really seemed to know their stuff. It comes with a Sanden Compressor with is a major improvement over the R4 that originally came in the car.

This is the one I am going to get. Check out their website.

Sep 17, 2010 | 10:20 AM

SanDiegoPaul

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Joined: Sep 2002

Posts: 10,362

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From: San Diego - Deep Within The State of CONFUSION!

I rebuilt mine new from the ground up, and it's been good now for five years. Everything new except the condenser. Then I rebuilt the dash and put all new foam seals in the ducts. It cools good still. Right now I am in the process of swapping out the blower motor with a later model one for more airflow, but the AC still cools well.

I'm into mine for about 1250.00