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I'm looking to put A/C back in my vette. The factory A/C was removed when it was restored. I know the basic idea of how this works, but have no experience with automotive A/C. I know the compressor is missing. I also know there should be an Evaporator, condensor & Drier. I think all the parts under my dash are still in place.
My question is, exactly what parts do I need? I have a guy offering an "Airbox", but I am not 100% sure what that includes.
Rather than restore your original system, I'd suggest that you explore the installation of an after market Vintage Air system. While these are listed as being for 68 thru 76 cars, I have installed one in my 77.
There are many Vintage Air installs here on the Forum and suggest you do a search to see what is involved and get others opinions. If you are still interested, PM me with your email and I will tell you the modifications I made to install the unit into my 77.
Many times when someone says A/C removed, it's just the compressor & maybe hoses. Check in front of rad. for condenser. It would help to post pics. of pass. side under hood. Evaporator is at firewall & some parts are under pass. fender.
Purchase the 77 assembly instruction manual (AIM); the AIM has diagrams of the complete AC assembly installed at the factory, the various part numbers, etc.
If you want to change to R134-A, now would be the perfect time to do it.
I was in the same boat as you. All the underdash components were present; the compressor, brackets, lines, etc., were not. After pricing what was needed to get the original A/C functional, it was a better move to replace it with the Vintage Air system. This assumes you'll install the Vintage Air kit yourself. For not much more money, you get a much improved, less cumbersome system.
I just replaced my system with a updated one from Nostalgic Air Parts. The kit cost $500 and I did the install.
I took it to a local a/c shop to have it charged with R134.
Works better then the original system did when I installed it about 14 years ago. Install
Rather than restore your original system, I'd suggest that you explore the installation of an after market Vintage Air system. While these are listed as being for 68 thru 76 cars, I have installed one in my 77.
There are many Vintage Air installs here on the Forum and suggest you do a search to see what is involved and get others opinions. If you are still interested, PM me with your email and I will tell you the modifications I made to install the unit into my 77.
What can I expect to pay for a replacement vintage air system?
I replaced my factory system with the Vintage Air about 3 years ago. Cost was around $1200 at the time, I had the interior completely out so installations wasn't too bad.
This is a complete system, replaces heat and AC. The controls are converted to servo... no more vacuum but they look and function as original.