My 1975 L-82 A/C Compressor is a Frigidaire axial style, model A-6, original from the looks of the tag date coded April 2, 1975. Not making any noise, but not putting out any cool air either.

After I tore out the complete interior and dash out, in 2003, and restored everything, I found that all the A/C and heater vents had large gaps so very little was being channeled into the cabin correctly. But it still did not put out anything less than 50F degrees. So I just figured it was not worth using and never used it.

I've been putting this off for about 5 years, but now I would like to make a decision on this. Here in northern Ohio I would not use the A/C very much, but when it is hot and humid outside the cabin is quite uncomfortabe, even with the T-tops off. If it was not for the wife complaining I would probably just leave it as is, but then she'd give me a headache every time we took the car out.

At this point I don't really care about originality. But I would like the system to be reliable and easy to service by today's A/C shops if need arises. Since I know next to nothing about A/C I don't really want to do the work myself. Not my comfort zone!

As I see it I have 2 options:

1). Convert the existing system over to the modern brew. I'm thinking this requires a lot of "bits & pieces" that would need to be replaced. But is this reliable with a system that is already 37 years old?

2). Replace the system with an up-to-date one. Would the condenser, etc. be reusable from the old system?

I've read some of the swap-out posts here over the years, and it seems to me that there are pros and cons to each solution.

SO HERE IS THE REASON FOR THE POST:
Has anyone done the first option, only to realize later that it would have been cheaper and more reliable to just do option 2 in the first place?

 

I did the first option with a pro6ten compressor. It works well. I replaced all the seals inside and outside the box and used the C4 fan and a spacer. I wanted to keep the controls and ducts stock.

Lots of guys like Option 2 though. A big advantage is putting the evaporator in the passenger compartment.

Either way, it will be some real work and $$ to get the AC working as well as a modern system.

Good luck

 

R-12 is still available. Any competent auto AC shop should be able to evaluate your stock system and recharge the R-12.

They should also be able to convert to R-134a if you want to go that route.

 

The A6 is arguably the best compressor ever made and has the capability at mid to higher rpm to cool a smaller house.
The front seals can leak over time, but can be replaced or even upgraded. Usually that or clutch bearings that fail.
First thing to do is to have the system checked with gauges and check the temps at the in and out evaporator lines. This will test the refrigerant part of the a/c. You can still refill with R12 and it should work as new.
Your leaking air etc is a different issue that also has to be addressed no matter what compressor/refrigerants are used.
Doing at least all of that part will save you big bucks.

 

noonie - I probably was not clear, but I sealed up all the loose ductwork running to the vents. Nothing leaks.

As a side note, I was told by 2 different A/C shops that working with a system configured for R12 is a VERY expensive operation today. Is that what everyone else is finding, or not?

 

? My A/C system has been converted to R-134a according to the seller and several very informed people that have looked at my car.

I have the original Frigidaire compressor.

My understanding from the seller is that it worked fine but eventually had a leak.

I can't verify since my entire HVAC system seems non-functional. Fan and all. I am tearing the dash and center console apart as we speak to diagnose and hopefully fix.

My point is, I don't think the R-134a conversion is too difficult.

May not be really helpful, but I believe there is hope. Personally, I would not continue down the R-12 road. Just too expensive. I'm not a big "good money after bad" person. If you're putting money into it, I would put money toward a R-134a solution.

 

I bit the bullet and installed a Vintage Air system in my '70. They have kits for both AC and non-AC cars. Good kit - installation can be challenging.

 

They were just tenderly getting you ready to bend over.

A few years ago definitely yes, but 12 has come back down in prices a bit and if your system truly is in decent shape, it will work as new.
You can check for leaks with nitrogen or have a shop do just that part.
You can still get 12 and a cheap set of gauges and some parts stores will lend you a vac pump and learn from there. You doing it is the cheapest way.

 

Had a long conversation, and a look-see with a guy at the cruise-in last night that had done the Vintage Air mod on a 73 Corvette. It does sound like a LOT of gutting, especially the firewall "box" and behind the dash. Don't think I want to tear that out again. But it sure looked like he did a VERY nice job.