A/C compressors for 71'
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Pine Beach NJ
A/C compressors for 71'
I'm replacing the compressor on my 71' Vette and have a concern about the re-builders. I've heard that many of the re-manufactured units are defective on delivery. Eckler's units are re-built in Florida which I've been told is a GM rebuilder. My local part supplier had so many problems with their supplier Four Seasons, that they don't even carry compressors. Any input on who to buy from would be appreciated since sending a defective compressor back and forth through the mail would be a "stright pain" not to mention the work and waste of materials.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 4,101
Likes: 10
From: NorCal
What is wrong with the original unit? Unless it blew up (very rare), the most common failure is the front seal, which is easily repaired. I use a lot of Four Seasons reman units with success most of the time, but we do get an occasional failure. I haven't needed to buy an A-6 in a while, it's mostly R-4 types.
Hans
Hans
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,100
Likes: 3
From: belle plaine ks
sanden
A good choice for not sending it back is to use a Sanden compressor. Do a Google search or look on Ebay to see what they look like. I don't think that that compressor has near the quality problem the GM one has. The Drawback is you will have to modify your mounts and hoses to accomodate the unit. The advantage from my street rodder friends is that the unit is pretty trouble free and easy to install. This is just a recommendation, if your NCRS restoring or something this probably won't be an option.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Pine Beach NJ
A/C compressor for 71'
The first thing that happened was that the freon in the sight glass had turned brown with some bubbles. I've never seen the freon discolor before and that thru me off. I evacuated the system and put new freon in. It did clear some of the bubbles but not completely. Then I was driving with The air on and the clutch seized up. The system is 36 years old so I thought I would change the compressor, accumulator/dryer and expansion valve. The compressor is off since I just installed a new set of Hooker Show Tubes with headers on the car.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 4,101
Likes: 10
From: NorCal
The sanden units work well, but you have to set it up a a pressure cycling system rather than the variable orafice, clutch always engaged system. The main drawback to the old system is weight, but other than that I love 'em. Super smooth and quiet, cold and very durable. I just never get used to the clutch kicking in and out, but that's just me.
Hans
Hans
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Pine Beach NJ
Fit is a problem
The bracket supplied for the A/C compressor by Hooker and the way it mounts with the header bolts in itself is a "knuckle buster" - "0" tolerance. I can't imagine doing any type of modification in that area that wouldn't be a "nightmare". Staying with original seems to be the only possible solution. Remember, this isn't a street rod with "lots" of room to work in.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,361
Likes: 383
From: Plano TX
Originally Posted by Wrencher
The sanden units work well, but you have to set it up a a pressure cycling system rather than the variable orafice, clutch always engaged system.
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Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Pine Beach NJ
New compressor available
Been on line looking for new A 6 compressors and found that they are out there. I think I'm going to order from a place called Arizona Mobile Air. The compressor is $370.77, o-ring kit $2.82; accum/drier $28.42;and expansion valve $31.10. I did talk to Wayne at Hot Rod Air and he was helpful, but I can't use a Sanden because of the bracket that was supplied with my Hooker Headers. Most of these guys admitted that the re-man units are not dependable. I'd rather spend the extra $$$$$ than deal with the aggrevation of having to pull the unit off if it fails.
