68 roadster -- AC advice

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Jun 15, 2005 | 12:46 PM

1968vert

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6th Gear

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68 roadster -- AC advice

I bought a 68 roadster, factory air car, with 327/300HP. It is missing the compressor, brackets, hoses and condenser (in front or radiator) The expansion valve and other hardware are still attached to the AC box.

I would appreciate some advice on what AC parts (old school or modern) would give me the best performance and reliability? I have read a few posts on installing a blower motor assembly from a C4 corvette. What exact year fits (with spacer)? I am going to install insulation under the carpet. What would be a good compressor to run? Should I go with R-12 or 134A?

I'm sure there are some experts out there.

Thanks (in advance)

Larry Kalina
Houston, Texas

Jun 15, 2005 | 01:58 PM

Easy Mike

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From: Southbound

Cruise-In II Veteran

For a stock look, go with the old A4 compressor; stock brackets and hardware can be obtained from the aftermarket providers, swap meet, or a Corvette salvage yard. New hoses can be fabricated at any good shop which does AC work. You may want to consider replacing the POA value if the system has been open for a long time. Since you are rebuilding the entire system, now would be the time to switch to R134 and purchase parts/components with R134 in mind. Remember, the stock '68 AC console controls and the under-console vac and electrical lines are one year only. '69 up parts will fit but will not swap unless you change out everything.

Jun 15, 2005 | 02:47 PM

1968vert

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6th Gear

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Re: Easy Mike's 68 Roadster -- AC Advice

Thanks for the info. I seem to have all AC controls in place on the console. It looks like I need POA valve, condenser, compressor, lines, 134A sealing rings and a vacuum/134A charge. Am I forgetting anything obvious?

Larry

Jun 15, 2005 | 04:41 PM

LemansBlue68

Melting Slicks

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From: May help you? You can sure as hell try!

Contact 68RDSTR. He went through restoring his '68 AC system and probably has all the hard stuff figured out. '68 AC systems are unique in many ways just like the rest of the car. Kinda glad I don't have it in mine, but then again, I don't live in a hot climate like Florida or the southern states. A couple of months of hot weather here in MI is enough for me.

Jun 15, 2005 | 05:09 PM

Garys 68

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If it's not a numbers matching car, you may be better of with current technology. A small blocj 68 with good working air in Texas might be worth more than a #s matching small block vette with high priced, unavailable components.

Jun 15, 2005 | 08:11 PM

carriljc

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jan 2001

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I'm in the middle of installing Hot Rod Air...

in my 68.

There's a couple of pics off to the left under my pictures.

I'll let you how it works when I'm done.

Jun 15, 2005 | 11:40 PM

68/70Vette

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From: Redondo Beach, California

Quote:

Originally Posted by Easy Mike

For a stock look, go with the old A4 compressor; stock brackets and hardware can be obtained from the aftermarket providers, swap meet, or a Corvette salvage yard.

The 1968's and a few years later came with the A6 compressor. I think it was a superior compressor. In those years even Mercedes Benz was using the A6. The A6 was a wobble plate compressor driving six pistons. From what little I know, the A6 was the high water point for quality compressors. I think that the latter ones were cheapened versions. Maybe I'm mistakened, but some of my friends worked for Frigidaire (they made the A6) and they are adamant that it was the best quality air conditioner compressor ever made! Anyhow, just relating what some of my friends (factory rats) have told me.

Jun 16, 2005 | 08:01 AM

markdtn

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Joined: Aug 2003

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From: Chattanooga TN

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68/70Vette

The 1968's and a few years later came with the A6 compressor. I think it was a superior compressor. In those years even Mercedes Benz was using the A6...

A6 was used until mid-76 on Corvettes. It is a fine compressor, it just takes a lot of power to drive it. You are correct, lots of OEMs were using it. Mercedes, John Deere tractors, even Ford in the late 70s.