' 76 A/c Help .
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Instructor
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: FRANKLIN SQUARE NEW YORK
' 76 A/c Help .
Ok, just a lil help please . Would anyone know where I can buy an A/C drier for my ' 76 ? 
I would prefer new over rebuilt. 
Also, would anyone know if there is a significant difference between the ' 77 drier and the ' 76 drier ? Thanks in advance . You can email me at : BLAKBOLT@aol.com
I would prefer new over rebuilt. Also, would anyone know if there is a significant difference between the ' 77 drier and the ' 76 drier ? Thanks in advance . You can email me at : BLAKBOLT@aol.com
Racer
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 383
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From: Columbia SC
The "drier" is part of the "VIR" unit. Valves In Receiver is what its called.
You need a new VIR unit for your 76. ZIP has them as do other vendors.
I dont think you will find only the drier part of the VIR unit.
You need a new VIR unit for your 76. ZIP has them as do other vendors.
I dont think you will find only the drier part of the VIR unit.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Columbia SC
The VIR is located inside the passenger side fender well. Look past the coolant recovery tank like you want to see the other side of the shark fin. You will see a metal round unit with some plumming going to in...thats the VIR and the drier is inside it.
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From: FRANKLIN SQUARE NEW YORK
Ok, since I'm far from an A/C expert I need to ask . I thought the drier was a seperate unit ? From what I see on my Vette , it is a long cylinder , with a rounded end . There are tubes coming from it , one of which has a pretty steep bend in it . Sorry, if I'm not wording it correctly . I've seen the VIR unit on Zip's web site, but it looks nothing like what I have . Mine has one inlet, and one outlet . Does that help make it clearer ?
Racer
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Columbia SC
That sounds like the VIR unit. I wish I has a picture for you but I dont.
The stock VIR unit has one BIG pipe coming into the top of the unit and a few smaller pipes coming into it at different locations.
If you have something different then I am not sure of you setup
The stock VIR unit has one BIG pipe coming into the top of the unit and a few smaller pipes coming into it at different locations.
If you have something different then I am not sure of you setup
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 914
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From: Aberdeen, Scotland
check out Doc Rebuild
Check out Doc Rebuild, either go online or get a catalog. The catalogs are real good and detailed. It will help you figure out what you have and what you need. FYI, AC system driers are throw away, i.e. once they're used up they are used up. I used to work on commerical AC systems (r-12) along time ago. Its not that difficult, but you should understand the basic cycle, if not it can be confusing. Maybe you can download a simple, basic refrigeration cycle diagram to help you out.
Now on a practical note, the system in our corvettes is so hard to get at that I just do not bother. In fact I am thinking of just "dropping" back and "punting", i.e. getting my mech to do the work! I put all new carpet and dynamated my whole car and gave up rebuilding the heater box, just said, "f*ck it" its to damn tight of a fit and "hard".... I like to drive my car and I guess that's a problem.
carbster09
Now on a practical note, the system in our corvettes is so hard to get at that I just do not bother. In fact I am thinking of just "dropping" back and "punting", i.e. getting my mech to do the work! I put all new carpet and dynamated my whole car and gave up rebuilding the heater box, just said, "f*ck it" its to damn tight of a fit and "hard".... I like to drive my car and I guess that's a problem.
carbster09
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From: FRANKLIN SQUARE NEW YORK
I see I may be barking up the wrong tree here . Seems I'm way off with the drier thing . I've been told by many , including here , that what I am looking for is the VIR unit . Don't all say ' I told ya so ' at once now. 
What I need to do is get the " drier" from the shop, bring it home and start comparing it to catalogs . I'm sure that way I'll find exactly what I need . One of these days, this '76 conversion to a '94 lt-1 will see the end of the tunnel 
What I need to do is get the " drier" from the shop, bring it home and start comparing it to catalogs . I'm sure that way I'll find exactly what I need . One of these days, this '76 conversion to a '94 lt-1 will see the end of the tunnel
Safety Car
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From: St. Charles IL
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A CI-6 Car Show Winner
Racer
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Columbia SC
We may be talking about two very different things here.
The drier is inside the VIR. I found a picture of a typical VIR for your Vette and the drier element is inside it, see the arrow.
Hope this helps. If not take some pics so we know what you are looking at.
The drier is inside the VIR. I found a picture of a typical VIR for your Vette and the drier element is inside it, see the arrow.
Hope this helps. If not take some pics so we know what you are looking at.
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From: FRANKLIN SQUARE NEW YORK
Originally Posted by Pete76Shark
We may be talking about two very different things here.
The drier is inside the VIR. I found a picture of a typical VIR for your Vette and the drier element is inside it, see the arrow.
Hope this helps. If not take some pics so we know what you are looking at.
The drier is inside the VIR. I found a picture of a typical VIR for your Vette and the drier element is inside it, see the arrow.
Hope this helps. If not take some pics so we know what you are looking at.
. Now, all I need is to find that pain in the butt . Thanks again to all
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From: FRANKLIN SQUARE NEW YORK
Originally Posted by Packy76
that is it..its located at the passenger fender down near the heater/ac box its a pita to get out ..NAPA sells a drier kit it for it as well it kinda looks like a little bag bag of desicant
. I'll need to replace it, just to be safe . Every where I looked, they are rebuilt . Hard to find a new one . I have not yet begun to quit ............
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2001
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From: Tulsa Ok
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From: FRANKLIN SQUARE NEW YORK
Originally Posted by FeedVaal
Here's a source for a new unit.http://www.gmpartsdirect.com
. Nothing showed for a ' 76 .
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2001
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From: Standing still with all my might Texas
Cruise-In X Veteran
St. Jude Donor '09-'11
I got a rebuilt VIR for my 73 from Orielly auto parts, but you have to know what you are talking about when you go in there because the guy at the counter will not have a clue!!
Not sure where (or if) you can find a new one though.
Not sure where (or if) you can find a new one though.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: grand prairie texas
Originally Posted by WRAITH666
Ok, just a lil help please . Would anyone know where I can buy an A/C drier for my ' 76 ? I would prefer new over rebuilt. Also, would anyone know if there is a significant difference between the ' 77 drier and the ' 76 drier ? Thanks in advance . You can email me at : BLAKBOLT@aol.com
I would prefer new over rebuilt. Also, would anyone know if there is a significant difference between the ' 77 drier and the ' 76 drier ? Thanks in advance . You can email me at : BLAKBOLT@aol.com
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: FRANKLIN SQUARE NEW YORK
Great ! Thanks guys for all the help Now, I just need to make a couple calls, and see who has the best deal . Always a please coming here for advice .I know where the smart guys hang out
Now, I just need to make a couple calls, and see who has the best deal . Always a please coming here for advice .I know where the smart guys hang out