79 A/C questions
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 992
Likes: 28
From: Sutton MA
79 A/C questions
When we aquired our car, it did not have A/C in it anymore, the condenser is there, but the hoses had been cut and no a/c compressor or brackets.
In a search for some parts, I found a guy who had an A/C cpmressor out of an '81 with all the hoses, he says it spins freely. My question is how do I know if the unit will be good until I hook it up? Is all you need to do is see if it spins freely?
In a search for some parts, I found a guy who had an A/C cpmressor out of an '81 with all the hoses, he says it spins freely. My question is how do I know if the unit will be good until I hook it up? Is all you need to do is see if it spins freely?
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,695
Likes: 2,572
I dont think spinning freely is a good criteria for judging condition. If the seals are shot it would still spin freely. Better off buying a rebuilt unit that you know can be returned if there are any issues.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 111
Likes: 2
From: Warren Ohio
I.M.H.O. Trying to fix a '79 A/C system with '81 parts is a waste of time and money. When I got my '79 I tried to have it tested and charged with R-134a. It worked for almost a month before the compressor blew. I got a Sanden compressor with the correct mounting brackets, accumulator, and hoses from Vintage Air as a kit for around $500.00. It's worked perfectly and blows very cold. I was able to install it myself, then had it charged at a shop.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,443
Likes: 65
From: Wauconda IL
Used A/C compressors are only good to use as a core-
I'd never put one on my car as-is.
Unless it was immediately sealed when it was removed from the donor car (provided it even worked then?), you have NO idea what kind of crap and corruption are inside. Not worth contaminating the rest of your system over.
I'd never put one on my car as-is.
Unless it was immediately sealed when it was removed from the donor car (provided it even worked then?), you have NO idea what kind of crap and corruption are inside. Not worth contaminating the rest of your system over.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
Likes: 433
From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Another point to ponder- The condenser is aluminum- the moisture in the air and the Freon (R-12), and the oil don't get along very well when the system is open. The aluminum tubes start to corrode on the inside. Pinhole leaks are possible.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 992
Likes: 28
From: Sutton MA
Man this isn't sounding better. We'll he has a good radiator support that I'll be picking up anyway. I'll go back to focusing on the engine and compartment . I've got plenty of work to do with that. I was just hoping to get a break 
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