A/C noob need advice!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 465
Likes: 1
From: FRANCE (Lyon)
Sorry to ask this again but I can't be the only one who does not understand the designations for C3 compressors (A6 etc.). From an uneducated eye (mine), it seems that two styles of compressors were used on C3's. The longer, smaller diameter "early" style and the "later" shorter larger diameter style. Which one are you guys talking about and what is the designation for each? The original poster seems to have a 1979. Does it come with this style compressor?
I have this compressor "in" my 1979 ("in" because i remove it)
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,608
Likes: 3
From: TEXAS - you mean there are other states?
Hi Noonie - sorry - I think I misread/misunderstood your response.
If I understand correctly, the first statement applies to the condensor and the 2nd applies to the evaporator.
You are not suggesting to use, but to just view the Caravan or Mercedes condenser
On the evaporator, obviously, you are saying to just stick with the stock one.
Now that Natron company is the only ones that make Smart VOV's?
If I understand correctly, the first statement applies to the condensor and the 2nd applies to the evaporator.
You are not suggesting to use, but to just view the Caravan or Mercedes condenser
On the evaporator, obviously, you are saying to just stick with the stock one.
Now that Natron company is the only ones that make Smart VOV's?
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 14,112
Likes: 28
From: Florida
You'll have to switch to a 77 and later evaporator that uses a oriface tube expansion device instead of the poa setup. Both are plate types.
You can use any PF condenser as long as it fits in the space. The caravan uses block type fittings vs the more standard oring type. If getting a used one get the lines with it so it is easy to have adapter lines made for your car. Only buy used if it has pressure in the system when you look at it.
You can use any PF condenser as long as it fits in the space. The caravan uses block type fittings vs the more standard oring type. If getting a used one get the lines with it so it is easy to have adapter lines made for your car. Only buy used if it has pressure in the system when you look at it.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,426
Likes: 1
From: VetteMOD
St. Jude Donor '05-'07
OK, last time I will interject but the original poster appears to be located in France. It also appears that he has the later R4 (?, still not sure of the designation) compressor and would like to re-install and restore the operation of his AC.
Although it seems the A6 compressor is superior, I'm not really sure that he has access to the components necessary to convert his system to the A6 compressor. Maybe someone could recommend a manual for him? The GM Corvette Shop Manual for 1979?
Although it seems the A6 compressor is superior, I'm not really sure that he has access to the components necessary to convert his system to the A6 compressor. Maybe someone could recommend a manual for him? The GM Corvette Shop Manual for 1979?
Last edited by BBShark; Apr 1, 2007 at 01:38 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,608
Likes: 3
From: TEXAS - you mean there are other states?
I also kept these links on my favorite lists - Jerome might consider that as well....
http://www.aapak.com/
http://www.ackits.com/
http://www.autoacforum.com/categories.cfm?catid=2
http://www.aircondition.com/vov/
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,608
Likes: 3
From: TEXAS - you mean there are other states?
Noonie.... ok - question......
You noted that the original "plate type" evaporator is as good as it gets and are available new for a little over $100.00 and not $300.00 plus from specialty venders.
My current evaporator is a Harrison - I assume it is original - see pics of it in this post....Evaporator Assembly.
Can you offer more details on the purchase of an evaporator? I checked Autozone and O'Reiley's for one and they do not show any. Now - that being said, I know I am not going stock - so should I be looking for another model year to accomodate no expansion valve? Also - any comments on brands..... Is GM worth a visit for this (in my opinion) critical part due to its difficulty in replacing?
Thanks
You noted that the original "plate type" evaporator is as good as it gets and are available new for a little over $100.00 and not $300.00 plus from specialty venders.
My current evaporator is a Harrison - I assume it is original - see pics of it in this post....Evaporator Assembly.
Can you offer more details on the purchase of an evaporator? I checked Autozone and O'Reiley's for one and they do not show any. Now - that being said, I know I am not going stock - so should I be looking for another model year to accomodate no expansion valve? Also - any comments on brands..... Is GM worth a visit for this (in my opinion) critical part due to its difficulty in replacing?
Thanks
Last edited by kaiserbud; Apr 9, 2007 at 11:40 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 14,112
Likes: 28
From: Florida
Noonie.... ok - question......
You noted that the original "plate type" evaporator is as good as it gets and are available new for a little over $100.00 and not $300.00 plus from specialty venders.
My current evaporator is a Harrison - I assume it is original - see pics of it in this post....Evaporator Assembly.
Can you offer more details on the purchase of an evaporator? I checked Autozone and O'Reiley's for one and they do not show any. Now - that being said, I know I am not going stock - so should I be looking for another model year to accomodate no expansion valve? Also - any comments on brands..... Is GM worth a visit for this (in my opinion) critical part due to its difficulty in replacing?
Thanks
You noted that the original "plate type" evaporator is as good as it gets and are available new for a little over $100.00 and not $300.00 plus from specialty venders.
My current evaporator is a Harrison - I assume it is original - see pics of it in this post....Evaporator Assembly.
Can you offer more details on the purchase of an evaporator? I checked Autozone and O'Reiley's for one and they do not show any. Now - that being said, I know I am not going stock - so should I be looking for another model year to accomodate no expansion valve? Also - any comments on brands..... Is GM worth a visit for this (in my opinion) critical part due to its difficulty in replacing?
Thanks
http://www.ackits.com/merchant.mvc?S...t78corvette5-7
Basically what you want to do is to replace everything in the engine compartment to a 78 or later setup. For a compressor use either the a6 or a Sanden or other axial piston compressor. For a condenser use a parallel flow. You will end up with a cycling system that will be optimized for 134a.
The thread that you referred to was an old poa system, which really is better than the oriface tube, but years ago you could buy a poa valve new for 60 bucks and today they are not available. Oh well!
You can piece this together for much less than a complete aftermarket system and reatain most of the stock parts.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,608
Likes: 3
From: TEXAS - you mean there are other states?
Hi Noonie - did not realize you responded till just now.
I am online with your guidance to stay with the basic system I have, and not an aftermarket replacement system. I will also replace ALL parts as suggested.
Question now on the evaporator (I apologize). When you say 'at least 1978', is there a year that I want more than another?
Also - I checked out my '72 Monte Carlo which I tried to convert over to R134a -it has the original condenser - so I will bet $1.00 to a donut that was why it ran very poorly.
I am online with your guidance to stay with the basic system I have, and not an aftermarket replacement system. I will also replace ALL parts as suggested.
Question now on the evaporator (I apologize). When you say 'at least 1978', is there a year that I want more than another?
Also - I checked out my '72 Monte Carlo which I tried to convert over to R134a -it has the original condenser - so I will bet $1.00 to a donut that was why it ran very poorly.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,608
Likes: 3
From: TEXAS - you mean there are other states?
Here is an evap from a 78 vette.
http://www.ackits.com/merchant.mvc?S...t78corvette5-7
Basically what you want to do is to replace everything in the engine compartment to a 78 or later setup. For a compressor use either the a6 or a Sanden or other axial piston compressor. For a condenser use a parallel flow. You will end up with a cycling system that will be optimized for 134a.
The thread that you referred to was an old poa system, which really is better than the oriface tube, but years ago you could buy a poa valve new for 60 bucks and today they are not available. Oh well!
You can piece this together for much less than a complete aftermarket system and reatain most of the stock parts.
http://www.ackits.com/merchant.mvc?S...t78corvette5-7
Basically what you want to do is to replace everything in the engine compartment to a 78 or later setup. For a compressor use either the a6 or a Sanden or other axial piston compressor. For a condenser use a parallel flow. You will end up with a cycling system that will be optimized for 134a.
The thread that you referred to was an old poa system, which really is better than the oriface tube, but years ago you could buy a poa valve new for 60 bucks and today they are not available. Oh well!
You can piece this together for much less than a complete aftermarket system and reatain most of the stock parts.
Last edited by kaiserbud; Apr 22, 2007 at 05:07 PM.
