I've been looking at mid to late 70's Vettes. One of the common things I'm finding within my price range is the A/C does not work on a large number of these. Most just say "the compressor is out" etc. Since I live in Phoenix, cold A/C is a must-have item.

If I were to repair this (myself), what sort of cost would I be looking at? I'm know there are several factors involved, so I'm just looking for a ballpark figure here. Compressors seem to run in the $250 range, but what else should I plan on replacing?

If I expected aprx. $750 to repair the system as a whole, would I be under estimating this project? Are there better alternatives such as getting parts from Vintage Air or similar? Would a factory reman compressor be the best bet? At this stage of the research game I think I would be looking at a car that came with factory air to avoid a full install of interior parts and pieces.

Thank you in advance for any advice,
Adam

 

It's normal for older cars to need a compressor. If it has the R4, then a new one is rec. Mine lasted about 10yrs. w/ hard use, high rpm shifts etc. Bought a new one, repeat above. Rebuilt R4s may be noisy.
To do it youself about $250 compressor + about $100.

For R134, I would use a smaller orifice tube like the Ford Red .062 in place of the GM White .072.


I replaced the R4 with a ND 6P (8.2 C.I. & similiar to Sanden 508) which uses less HP & works great. Compressor, custom brackets & hoses to stock A/C system.

 

this site could help you.http://www.autoacforum.com/

 

Evaporators are costly items, and not a picnic to install.

 

Thank you for your replies. The $750 mark does seem high to me, but I'm trying to be realistic about this and not underestimate. Last thing I want to do is get a car and end up with it in pieces because funds ran out. The needed repairs will directly effect the $$ I have to spend on the purchase of the car itself.

Terry, why doesn't that surprise me. There seems to be a forums for almost everything now. Thank you!

You are right about that! Evaps are as costly as the compressor. Eckler's has them for about $350. Maybe I'm not planning on enough $$ at $750.

 

AdamMeh: find a car with working AC. Best of both worlds.

 

Well, that would be my preference Just trying to look at as many angles as possible so I have a good idea what I may be up against.

 

My 75 uses the massive Frigidaire compressor. Advance Auto's website lists a remanufactured unit at $129 bucks which is the cheapest I've seen for any car. Find a good coupon code and you can bring that down to $100.
If original, the hoses will be shot. Figure on another $100 to $150. Receiver/drier is usually less than $30 for most cars. An older Vette will use a VIR instead which you can disassemble and install a desiccant kit which includes a new desiccant bag, filter screen and o-rings. This can be done from under the car without removing the VIR. Kit is $23 at Advance Auto. Add a few bucks more all the o-rings that go on the hose fittings, compressor etc.
I believe you can replace the metering device for a few bucks on later 70s models allowing the use of 134A. If you have a VIR, stick with R-12 or an alternative such as 414B (Hotshot) which is what I use and works very well.
Real R-12 can be bought on ebay for a somewhat decent price if you look around.
Figure about $100 for refrigerant no matter which way you go.

You should be able to have every wear and tear item replaced and the system working like new for $450 or less. You will need to borrow a vacuum pump from someone before charging or pay a shop a few bucks to do it for you.

If you find that a drooling Bubba did the famous "I removed the A/C system", pass on it and let him find someone else to sell his butchered POS car to at a drastically reduced price. Once you get into buying an evaporator, condenser, hard pipping, brackets plus all the labor involved, it simply isn't worth it.

 

Excellent Info!! Thank you very much! And agreed - If Bubba has worked his magic on it, I'm walking away

 

I just replaced my system with a new style. I put in the old system about 14 years ago. I used 73 parts back then.
This time I bought a kit that included everything but the evaporator.
Works good and cost a lot less. Plus I am using R134 now instead of the R12 so that is cheaper too.
New installed ac

 

I also live in Phoenix and have about given up on my A/C and hot running temps! New compressor, evaporator, radiator carb rebuild, timing and hoses. One thing that finally brought the temp down was installing the shutoff valve to stop the hot water flow. So the A/C seems to work pretty well now but when it runs the temp gets very close to redlining. With the A/C off it runs fine. The car still has the under front end shroud and correct fan. I am at a loss as to what to try next. Bring on winter!!

 

IF you want reliable A/C from a 40 year old car.
you pretty much have to rebuild the entire system.
yes you can fix/replace a piece this year , then next year,... and so on.
complete sytem rebuild about 800-1200.

 

have you thought about adding a electric fan like what they did on the 81 and 82 vettes?

 

However, if you get or leave any contaminants in the system prior to completion you could well be spending even more (BTDT).

 

I am NOT sure what is offered out there for replacement compressors in your year model Corvette. I don't even know what's offered...
But I am sure of my experience with modern day reman compressors.
Bottom line:
Do Not Buy Remanufactured Compressors -unless that is the only one offered. BUY NEW.... spend the extra 30-40% on an a new unit and do the job once.
Ask me how I know. All I can say is I can now change out a compressor in my 2000 GMC truck in no time with all this practice I got.

 

A/C systems are not really complex. Mine was not working when I purchaseed the car but after converting to R 134 and flushing out with new oil is working great. A decent mechanic should be able to tell you what it will take to get it going.