72 A/C problems
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 40
Likes: 1
From: Austin TX
72 A/C problems
Hey guys,
I just bought my first C3 ('72 T-top) and would like a little advice on the AC.
From what I've seen/heard about these cars, the AC doesn't really work well even when it's working. So.... should I just leave it alone, or am I wrong on the quality of a working system? I live in Tx and would love a nice cold AC system, but I don't want to throw a lot of money away on a system that didn't work well in the first place.
Also, if I do repair the system. Should I switch over to R134, or leave it with R12? What are the little "gottas" that I should be looking for in trouble shooting my AC?
thanks,
Mark
I just bought my first C3 ('72 T-top) and would like a little advice on the AC.
From what I've seen/heard about these cars, the AC doesn't really work well even when it's working. So.... should I just leave it alone, or am I wrong on the quality of a working system? I live in Tx and would love a nice cold AC system, but I don't want to throw a lot of money away on a system that didn't work well in the first place.
Also, if I do repair the system. Should I switch over to R134, or leave it with R12? What are the little "gottas" that I should be looking for in trouble shooting my AC?
thanks,
Mark
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
The existing AC system can be made to work pretty well, especially it it somewhat works now. It is a 35 yr old car and it will take some doing. First thing to determins is do all the components work? Compressor kicks on etc. If so then the rest of it is making sure all the ductwork is in place and does not leak, make sure the blower runs on all speeds, make sure the evaporator box is not full of crap (it probably is). Got to check all the doors and flappers, and install a hot water shutoff on the heater line.
sounds simple don't it?
sounds simple don't it?
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
6' is shortcutting the process a LOT, but really we need more information in order to help.....I have had my '72 vert here with COLD ac and 134 for a long tyme....12 years...I have had my issues from time to time, but it's been 5 years now....knock on wood....
gotta know more of what you desire from the car....other than just cold a/c....stock looking?? performance mods?? mind rewiring crap??
know about a/c in general at all?? have a vacuum pump?? gauges??
long list...
gotta know more of what you desire from the car....other than just cold a/c....stock looking?? performance mods?? mind rewiring crap??
know about a/c in general at all?? have a vacuum pump?? gauges??
long list...
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 40
Likes: 1
From: Austin TX
thanks guys,
I know I didn't give you much to go on. I haven't even started the trouble shooting yet. I'm pretty good mechanically, but I don't mess with AC stuff - even though I have a good basic understanding. It's a very clean original 72 and I want to keep it stock as much as possible. Before I even start on the trouble shooting, I was curious if it was worth my time. I figure I will almost always be driving the car with the tops off, so why bother if it's going to cost $500-$1000 and not cool well when I'm done. If it will really cool, then I wouldn't mind spending the time and money. You see where I'm going here?
thanks again,
Mark
I know I didn't give you much to go on. I haven't even started the trouble shooting yet. I'm pretty good mechanically, but I don't mess with AC stuff - even though I have a good basic understanding. It's a very clean original 72 and I want to keep it stock as much as possible. Before I even start on the trouble shooting, I was curious if it was worth my time. I figure I will almost always be driving the car with the tops off, so why bother if it's going to cost $500-$1000 and not cool well when I'm done. If it will really cool, then I wouldn't mind spending the time and money. You see where I'm going here?
thanks again,
Mark
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,993
Likes: 1,136
From: League City Tx
You can make a stock system work ok. It won't freeze you out but its definetly better then nothing. Find a good, honest repair shop and only replace what is needed. Don't let them con you into "replacing everything because thats how we do it"
Do a search on this forum and in C3 General. Lots of info there including my ac rebuild.
At a minimum you will need to flush the system, pull a vacuum and check for leaks. Thats after you verify your ducts are working correctly, your blower is working and your compressor at least kicks on. If at all possible, stick with R12 to keep it as cool as possible because these systems don't have a lot of volume. Even if you put a late model blower motor in it that pushes a bunch of air, it forces it through the evaporator so fast that its not as cool.
I do get 42-45* out of my stock system and it stays plenty cool once its cooled down. Does take a little while to cool down if its super hot outside and the car has been sitting outside.
Do a search on this forum and in C3 General. Lots of info there including my ac rebuild.
At a minimum you will need to flush the system, pull a vacuum and check for leaks. Thats after you verify your ducts are working correctly, your blower is working and your compressor at least kicks on. If at all possible, stick with R12 to keep it as cool as possible because these systems don't have a lot of volume. Even if you put a late model blower motor in it that pushes a bunch of air, it forces it through the evaporator so fast that its not as cool.
I do get 42-45* out of my stock system and it stays plenty cool once its cooled down. Does take a little while to cool down if its super hot outside and the car has been sitting outside.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 316
Likes: 1
From: Southern California
If its all original and clean and you can tell no one has removed/replaced components I'd say go ahead and get it fixed. Even if you don't think you will be needing air much, its nice to have the option when you want it.
No way to tell what all you need. But if all the parts are intact you have a good start.
No way to tell what all you need. But if all the parts are intact you have a good start.
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