AC on C3 vette
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 395
Likes: 0
From: winterville NC
AC on C3 vette
Ok guys i am getting ready to finally pull the trigger on buying my first vette and I have looked at 2 on them in the last week and both of them seem ok as far as appearance and looks but on both cars they have taken the AC off. When i asked why I was told that it had to come off for the headers. The question is this something that they prob had to do or am I being feed a line of BS? They have said that all the parts are in a box in their garage........and also any idea of how much it would prob cost iif i had to replace entire unit in case both of these are feeding me some BS?...........and is there some good online dealers to choose from for replacement parts, carpet kits. door panels..etc
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,729
Likes: 267
From: Austin Texas
Corvette of the Year Winner 2017
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
when headers were added, you can No longer use "stock" AC mounting brackets.
get the correct brackets / or modifiy and all is well, they were lazy with the Header install.
rebuild an old A/C system $1200- 1400.
Wilcox for the best supporting vendor period !
http://www.willcoxcorvette.com/
get the correct brackets / or modifiy and all is well, they were lazy with the Header install.
rebuild an old A/C system $1200- 1400.
Wilcox for the best supporting vendor period !
http://www.willcoxcorvette.com/
Last edited by 69Vett; Aug 1, 2011 at 12:09 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,635
Likes: 8
From: Enid Oklahoma
when headers were added, you can No longer use stock AC mounting brackets.
get the correct brackets and all is well, they were lazy with the Header install.
rebuild an Ac system $1200- 1400.
Wilcox for the best supporting vendor period !
http://www.willcoxcorvette.com/
get the correct brackets and all is well, they were lazy with the Header install.
rebuild an Ac system $1200- 1400.
Wilcox for the best supporting vendor period !
http://www.willcoxcorvette.com/
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,692
Likes: 833
From: WI
If they have the parts, to rebuild the AC system you will probably want to replace the compressor with new, or at least tear it down and replace all the seals with newer units that stand up to higher pressures. If you elect to stay with R12, send the hoses out and have them re-done with 'Barrier' type hose which will prevent leaks through the hose long term, or just keep the original hoses. Try the bracket and you might have to fab up a rear piece with a welder. Flush it and replace the dryer or acumulator (depending on the yr) and then get it recharged. Shouldn't be THAT expensive.
Mark G
Mark G
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,729
Likes: 267
From: Austin Texas
Corvette of the Year Winner 2017
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
New compressor, and expansion valve, new Dryer, new hoses all required.
plus brackets, Freon, orings, probable need a fan belt, and labor.
condenser is not the best for 134, should be converted to a parallel.
I would Not risk a new a/c rebuild on old hoses.
this assumes POA and evaporator are good.
plus brackets, Freon, orings, probable need a fan belt, and labor.
condenser is not the best for 134, should be converted to a parallel.
I would Not risk a new a/c rebuild on old hoses.
this assumes POA and evaporator are good.
Last edited by 69Vett; Aug 1, 2011 at 12:08 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 945
Likes: 10
From: Winston Salem NC
Search the forum. The previous owners were lazy with their installations.
Several members have posted pics of the spacers needed and the required clearancing of the stock brackets. Headers and AC can coexist on the same C3.
Several members have posted pics of the spacers needed and the required clearancing of the stock brackets. Headers and AC can coexist on the same C3.
Racer
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 431
Likes: 0
From: Willoughby Hills OH
Ya they can co-exist. If you know which headers they are, go to their website.
Holly (who makes Hooker headers) lists exact application adjustments when you go to their product pages. It tells me which bracket I need for what I want to do.
Holly (who makes Hooker headers) lists exact application adjustments when you go to their product pages. It tells me which bracket I need for what I want to do.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 11,520
Likes: 13
From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
Probably a lot more take the A/C out up there than in hotter areas. Many of us have working A/C. Some years get by fine w/o adding a spacer to headers. If A/C was not working when removed most likely needed a compressor. I have fixed many A/C inexpensively.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 7,850
Likes: 142
From: Tampa, Fl.
An A6 comp. just needs to be spaced out from the header flange an amount equal to the casting thickness of the ram horn, where the mounting bolts go through. Everything else remains the same.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,458
Likes: 331
From: Indy Indiana
I would go back to stock exhaust manifolds on my car if in this situation. Did they save those?
having reliable parts and working parts , especially from the firewall back, on that old of a system is probably wishfull thinking and you will always have grief keeping it running and not breaking your bank. working AC on an old car is pretty cool.
having reliable parts and working parts , especially from the firewall back, on that old of a system is probably wishfull thinking and you will always have grief keeping it running and not breaking your bank. working AC on an old car is pretty cool.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
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From: Southern NH
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
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From: Crossville TN
Just take a pass on those cars. If they have headers, they've been "run hard and put away wet", anyway. Find cars in better condition and with A/C still hooked up and running....lots of them still around.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Tampa, Fl.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
Unknown and unknowable, unless the owner explains his/her "use" of the car. I'm just sayin' the headers on the car are a pretty good clue that the engine's HP was doing more than going to the grocery.... 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Tampa, Fl.
Race Director
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From: Florida