81 ac hose replacement
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 474
Likes: 64
From: Portage La Prairie Manitoba
81 ac hose replacement
Can the main ac hose on an 81 be replaced without removing the hood?
If so, what tools are required to remove fitting at condensor?
Thanks.... Barry
If so, what tools are required to remove fitting at condensor?
Thanks.... Barry
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 276
Likes: 0
I have a 76, so this might not be exactly the same.
I had to remove my hood to get the old hose off and put the new one on.
Here's a good one: The AC delco set for my car, the hoses are too thin. By the condensor the hose does a U turn up into the condensor. I had to go to a hydraulic shop and have it fabbed to a different hose. Let me know if you need the specs.
I had to remove my hood to get the old hose off and put the new one on.
Here's a good one: The AC delco set for my car, the hoses are too thin. By the condensor the hose does a U turn up into the condensor. I had to go to a hydraulic shop and have it fabbed to a different hose. Let me know if you need the specs.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 474
Likes: 64
From: Portage La Prairie Manitoba
I was hoping someone would chime in with a better way to do it!
Brand new paintjob on the car and I know that I will never get the hood on and off without something getting scratched..... Should have done it before the paint!!!
Brand new paintjob on the car and I know that I will never get the hood on and off without something getting scratched..... Should have done it before the paint!!!
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,562
Likes: 2
From: Spring Texas
I have a 1 piece custom front end on mine that still does not leave enough room to do this work without removal (might work if I was real young and weighed half what I do). You have a lot easier time saving your hood from scratching than I do with the whole front end to move. In your case it might be possible to remove your pass. grille and do some of the work. But I really think its just easier with the hood removed.
Orville
Orville
Safety Car
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 4,176
Likes: 7
From: Jennings LA
hood removal
removing the hood is not a problem just get a friend to help hold it. one on each side. it might weigh 20 pounds and is easy to handle mine has been off 3 times in the past month (dont ask) things are much easier with the hood out of the way.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,266
Likes: 0
From: Allen, TX, USA
Yes, it can be done!
But boy is it a pain!! I think I had to open the hood at a specific angle so
that I could put the wrench on and turn, etc.
I.e. not the open position and not the closed position...
Good luck!
But boy is it a pain!! I think I had to open the hood at a specific angle so
that I could put the wrench on and turn, etc.
I.e. not the open position and not the closed position...
Good luck!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 764
Likes: 2
From: THE OLDER I GET THE BETTER I WAS! NORTHERN ONTARIO
Pretty tough...It is safer to protect the paint on the fenders & put some thin compressed packing foam between the fenders & the hood gap then remove the hood...I think you will thank yourself later. 
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Brett Foote
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,664
Likes: 162
From: columbia city in
i took the the hood off when idid my 82. i used a paint stick and traced a round the hinges .you can use a sharpy or a crayon. went back on the first time .best if you have a helper .
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
From: Independence Mo.
I managed to remove the a/c hose from my 79 with out removing the hood, I used a crows foot wrench with about 12 plus inches of extension on it. So it can be done. When you are installing the new hose make sure you tie a piece of wire or string on the end to help you pull the hose up to the fitting, and also make sure the fitting has not be bent down. Hope this helps Gary B.
