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AC Compressor Conversion - Sanden

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Old Sep 27, 2001 | 11:05 AM
  #1  
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Default AC Compressor Conversion - Sanden

I am thinking about changing the factory 1969 AC compressor to a sanden unit....basically because I want to use the matching billet brackets that I have on my alternator and Power steering....I would like to do it so that could easily go back to the factory unit in the future.
anyone ever done this? difficult?

cheers
Nick
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Old Sep 27, 2001 | 01:47 PM
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Default Re: AC Compressor Conversion - Sanden (lvrpool32)

ttt
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Old Sep 27, 2001 | 03:10 PM
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Default Re: AC Compressor Conversion - Sanden (lvrpool32)

Sounds like a good plan. It would be shorter than an A-6, thus allowing more room! Are the billet brackets set up for the stock mounting position? I'm refurbishing my system now and still need to buy the original mounts, some of which aren't available anymore. I have a good A-6, which is a great compressor, so I'd have to decide. How much were the billet brackets?

Hans
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Old Sep 27, 2001 | 05:44 PM
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Default Re: AC Compressor Conversion - Sanden (lvrpool32)

Nick,
It should be a neat conversion, the Sanden unit is lighter and probably more efficient. The only thing that should be a little problem will be the hoses, but they shouldn't be too hard to find. Good Luck! Post some pictures when you get it in.

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Old Sep 27, 2001 | 11:02 PM
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Default Re: AC Compressor Conversion - Sanden (Smokehouse69)

I suggest that you check with Vintage Air in San Antonio or Street and Performance in Mena, Ark for brackets, hoses, etc.
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Old Sep 28, 2001 | 05:24 AM
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Default Re: AC Compressor Conversion - Sanden (lvrpool32)

I did the conversion to late model compressor and serp drive some time ago in my '72, I recommend it....the hoses need redone by a GOOD a/c shop....I say a good one can look in a book, find the hose barb kit for the compressor, the fittings for your car, and route hoses by tape measure, go into the shop and swage them up....done...cost about 125 bucks or so...total...kinda expensive, but not any much more than stock hoses....call around, if they don't have the ability to swage hoses for themselves, they not a good a/c shop....period....

GENE
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Old Sep 28, 2001 | 05:13 PM
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Default Re: AC Compressor Conversion - Sanden (lvrpool32)

Well I have found the Sanden compressors going for $219 polished.....then a "hose" kit with drier for $150.
I have some billet aluminum plate, which I am going to copy the factory style brackets, I will just adjust where the mounting holes are located, to line up with the zoops bracket ( I will also have to make a 3" dowel piece to allow for the diffence in lengths of the compressors).
I guess there is no harm in trying.....and if it doesn't work I will go with the Sanden.

Nick
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Old Sep 28, 2001 | 05:22 PM
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Default Re: AC Compressor Conversion - Sanden (lvrpool32)

Well I have found the Sanden compressors going for $219 polished.....then a "hose" kit with drier for $150.


Where did you find them?
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Old Sep 28, 2001 | 06:24 PM
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Default Re: AC Compressor Conversion - Sanden (lvrpool32)

Check with Chris Petris of Corvette Clinic down in Fla. He has, or did a couple of years ago, a kit to do what you want.

tom...


[Modified by Tom73, 4:25 PM 9/28/2001]
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Old Sep 29, 2001 | 09:15 AM
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Default Re: AC Compressor Conversion - Sanden (lvrpool32)

I've been trying to get my Sanden hooked up on the ZZ/502 in my '79--
Called Vintage Air-----got a runaround; S&P says "just go to local rad shop--yeah, right; they won't TOUCH it. ANYONE know what parts are needed to adapt?????
:chevy :yesnod: :chevy
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Old Sep 29, 2001 | 09:31 AM
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Default Re: AC Compressor Conversion - Sanden (MassVette)

Masvette, like ai said before, you need call around your area and find an a/c shop with the capability of swaging hoses for themselves, they can order the fittings and fabricate what you need on site....only way to get it done...
the hoses for my '72 won't work on your car, as the fittings on the evap side are differant...maybe even on the condensor side too....
MY hoses loop around in front of the compressor on the evap side...on the cond side it's a direct shot with about 12" of hose....it's due to the fittings available and flex requirements and hose length/diameter....it's a neat instalation, better than anything I came up with on my own....

GENE
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Old Sep 30, 2001 | 11:39 AM
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Default Re: AC Compressor Conversion - Sanden (lvrpool32)

Ivrpool32: The Corvette Clinic in Sanford, FL still sells the Sanden compressor in a complete kit. The number is 407 323-7328. Ask for Chirs or Hope and tell them Spike said to call.

Spike
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