A/C Question
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 159
Likes: 0
From: Quincy MA
A/C Question
I have a '78 supposedly with A/C. Only problem is I cant find anything for the A/C. It has the control for it. But I can't find the compressor, condenser, or any lines. Is there a reason I would be able to put it to Max A/C on the panel but not have it installed or is this the work of the previous owner who told me A/C worked?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Do you have a picture of the engine compartment? We can help point it out or confirm it's not installed. The A/C components can be removed, and maybe the previous owner was out of his gourd.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Yeah get a good one of the passenger side going down into the engine bay.
The compressor is indeed missing, but that was a factory air car. I can't see if you have a condenser or not, and the lines may or may not be on that passenger side.
The compressor is indeed missing, but that was a factory air car. I can't see if you have a condenser or not, and the lines may or may not be on that passenger side.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,211
Likes: 64
From: Bocabec, New Brunswick
The large black box on the firewall above and to the right of the air cleaner in your picture is an A/C component. The compressor which should be above and to the left of the air cleaner is missing. There should be what looks like a second radiator (the condensor actually) in front of the actual radiator but it isn't visible in your picture.
Looks like most of the underhood A/C components have been taken off your car.
Looks like most of the underhood A/C components have been taken off your car.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 159
Likes: 0
From: Quincy MA
Well I bought the car in September so there is little I could do. But I am worried that if he lied about the A/C then what else did he lie about. I was so excited to be buying my first Corvette that I didn't ask him to prove anything he said about the car lol.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,991
Likes: 3
From: Piscataway NJ
I would call the previous owner and ask him. In what year did the A/C last work? But I have to ask didn't you inspect under the hood when you were looking to buy it? It's going to cost you now.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 4,101
Likes: 10
From: NorCal
Sepember's not that far back! If you don't mind being diplomatic on this, he may still have the parts, but I'd bet HE got it that way as well. Condensor's probably missing as well. Don't dispair, I was able to reconstitute all of mine that was in similar shape for around a grand (me doing the labor). Sounds like the interior stuff is fine, and IF the evaporator is still in the case (on the firewall), you can go with modern aftermarket setup from a vendor like Vintage Aire.
Hans
Hans
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 159
Likes: 0
From: Quincy MA
Thanks for all the advice. I did look under the hood when i bought it but wasnt thinking A/C I was just worried about the motor and tranny. A/C is something I can live without Drivetrain is not. Not to worried bout it. Its mine now and I'll fix her up nice.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
If you looked under the hood and didn't notice the a/c is gone then-no offense-I would have the car inspected now by a professional to see what else might be wrong. That should be a glaring difference in what the previous owner said. Don't take this the wrong way. We all live and learn. Just try to minimize the cost of the lesson now.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 159
Likes: 0
From: Quincy MA
been there done that, frame is solid with only minimal surface rust, motor has been compression tested and is perfect, no leaks in either the motor or tranny (after I fixed one in the tranny) everything that he said about the car checks out except for the A/C.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
With what you have left, your best bet is to buy a new A/C add-on system for your "A/C capable" car. At least, you already have the dash ducting and the controls required to make it work. And the new one will operate on R-134 already. Check into it. (Do you have an A/C condenser coil attached to your radiator?)