1973 with A/C
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 294
Likes: 1
From: Panama City Beach Florida
1973 with A/C
I am looking for a 72 or 73 coupe. I live in Florida so A/C is a must. Why is it that 95% of the Vettes I see with A/C - it doesn't work or is out of the car all together? Thanks.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,685
Likes: 202
From: Waterford Mi
The 73 system did not work all that well even when new so the cost to repair it is not all that. If you do find one then it is not that difficult to upgrade/replace with new technology stuff.
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Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
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From: Southbound
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,030
Likes: 363
From: Lubbock Texas
If you can't find a car with a good working AC, you might be better off finding a non-AC car and adding Vintage Air. That's the route I ended up going and I'm pleased with the VA system. A bit of a PITA to install but in the end, it's modern technology and it gets cold.
DC
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 294
Likes: 1
From: Panama City Beach Florida
Thanks redwingvette and DC3 for the feedback. your replies shed some light on the situation.
I was hoping to get more replies like yours. I never thought of the VA system. Now, I'll check it out. I've passed up a lot of potential '73's for lack of AC. Thanks, again.
I was hoping to get more replies like yours. I never thought of the VA system. Now, I'll check it out. I've passed up a lot of potential '73's for lack of AC. Thanks, again.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,030
Likes: 363
From: Lubbock Texas
One thing to know about the VA system is that it is a recirculating system only (does not bring in fresh air). That may or may not be a big deal to some. It wasn't a problem with my '73. As a non-AC car, it had the Astro Ventilation system with the fresh air vents at the kick panels and in the dash. You have to block the ones for the dash but I left the kick panel vents in place. If the VA system gets too cold on moderate days, I can temper it by opening the kick panel vents. Or, if it's not really AC weather and I just want a bit fresh air they are handy to have.
DC
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 161
Likes: 0
A/c
The A/c systems are very easy in these cars. It is almost a must to have it to enjoy a long ride in these things. Especially with a big block.
If you are going to fix up one of these cars, buy one with air in it. It does not matter if it works or not.
I have helped over thirty guys get their working.
I hate to admit that I added Vintage air to a car. It was a 63 though were virtually none of them had it.
I too live in a warm state. California. Driving the 63 without A/C was miserable.
If you are going to fix up one of these cars, buy one with air in it. It does not matter if it works or not.
I have helped over thirty guys get their working.
I hate to admit that I added Vintage air to a car. It was a 63 though were virtually none of them had it.
I too live in a warm state. California. Driving the 63 without A/C was miserable.
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Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Crossville TN
The A/C systems in NEW C3's worked just fine. In fact, that small cockpit was no match for the full-sized car A/C system in the Corvette. Not sure why some folks think it didn't work that well....I've had a new '74, a 5 year old '68, and my present '71. The new car A/C was fantastic; no problems with the '68s A/C. It took a while to solve all the "other" issues that were allowing heat to enter into the passenger area of the '71, but once that was done I had no problem getting cool in Phoenix, AZ for a few years.
Folks think that since the system is "old", it won't work well. They might not be as efficient as a newer system, but there has been no great improvement in A/C performance....only better electronic management of temperature, air distribution, etc.
Folks think that since the system is "old", it won't work well. They might not be as efficient as a newer system, but there has been no great improvement in A/C performance....only better electronic management of temperature, air distribution, etc.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,091
Likes: 40
The AC in my first 74 Coupe ( my first vette)which was nearly a new car back in the 70's worked just fine . As did several other coupes I owned from the 70's
I shopped for a 74 convertible I own now 25 years ago , when I bought it , it just happened to have AC, and it has never worked .....its a fun in the sun car , top down nearly all year ....could care less about AC.
I shopped for a 74 convertible I own now 25 years ago , when I bought it , it just happened to have AC, and it has never worked .....its a fun in the sun car , top down nearly all year ....could care less about AC.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,908
Likes: 129
From: Fredericksburg Virginia
My A/C doesn't work either.
Then again, neither does my heater, my wipers, my wiper door, my clock...
And, to be fair, the A/C went out in my 2005 Expedition...leak...
I think folks take them out because they weigh so much. The compressor alone is an easy 40 lbs. I just put aluminum heads on my car, in part, to save weight. So if I was nuts about it, I'd be a little silly to NOT pull the A/C system. The whole thing probably costs an easy 100 lbs, if not more.
I'd love to get mine working, and have every intention to. Neet to start by getting the engine back in the car...
Then again, neither does my heater, my wipers, my wiper door, my clock...
And, to be fair, the A/C went out in my 2005 Expedition...leak...
I think folks take them out because they weigh so much. The compressor alone is an easy 40 lbs. I just put aluminum heads on my car, in part, to save weight. So if I was nuts about it, I'd be a little silly to NOT pull the A/C system. The whole thing probably costs an easy 100 lbs, if not more.
I'd love to get mine working, and have every intention to. Neet to start by getting the engine back in the car...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,334
Likes: 4
From: Midland TX
I replaced all the components in my 72 ac system.
Fortunately it came with ac from the factory. Replaced the hoses, drier, compressor, POA valve from the catalog businesses. Had to replace one component from a business that specializes in antique auto ac systems.
I know very little about a/c systems but I did all the work myself.
I bought a vacuum pump from Harbor Freight to put vacuum on the system and used a/c gauges from Harbor Freight to put in freon.
System works good.
Fortunately it came with ac from the factory. Replaced the hoses, drier, compressor, POA valve from the catalog businesses. Had to replace one component from a business that specializes in antique auto ac systems.
I know very little about a/c systems but I did all the work myself.
I bought a vacuum pump from Harbor Freight to put vacuum on the system and used a/c gauges from Harbor Freight to put in freon.
System works good.
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 79
Likes: 1
From: Callahan FL
There's not much difference in a/c systems in the last 40 years. The only thing they improved on is the compressor, and that is debatable. The newer compressors use less hp to run them, don't work a whole lot better. I've been working on trucks with a/c for over 35 years and I'd rather have an older system anytime. Start replacing parts with climate control and you'll see what expensive is.....
