79 ac??
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 463
Likes: 0
From: South Haven MI
79 ac??
I'm performing a body off restoration. I'm currently cleaning up the engine bay while the body is off the frame. The AC has not worked since 1992. Should I eventually make the existing system work or install an aftermarket? I do not care about originality but I do care to have reliable cold AC.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 6,647
Likes: 1
From: East Aurora N.Y.
St. Jude Donor '10
I'm performing a body off restoration. I'm currently cleaning up the engine bay while the body is off the frame. The AC has not worked since 1992. Should I eventually make the existing system work or install an aftermarket? I do not care about originality but I do care to have reliable cold AC.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,135
Likes: 2
From: Dayton Oh
When I installed my 355 a few years back, I had the same question. I'd driven my 79 a couple of years without the A/C working and thought that it was shot since it never worked. Anyways, taking a chance after my engine install, I simply reinstalled the pump, connected the wiring properly, charged and it has worked fine ever since.
A/C is a wonderful thing when it is too darn hot to ride with the T's off.
A/C is a wonderful thing when it is too darn hot to ride with the T's off.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 11,520
Likes: 13
From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
If I were to make the existing system work, what would need to be done in terms of using r134?
Some A/C shops are changing the GM orifice tube to a Ford tube which has 2 O-Rings to seal better & is a little smaller.
Probably changing the GM white orifice tube .072 to the Ford red .062 would be best orifice tube.
There is also a Variable Orifice Valve that can be used instead of the orifice tube. I am still running R-12 & have been looking into R134.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 6,647
Likes: 1
From: East Aurora N.Y.
St. Jude Donor '10
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,086
Likes: 1
From: Michigan
I agree with Ganey. You can fix your existing A/C but you might need some special tools (like a vacuum pump). Some tools can be rented free from Autozone.
Here is a link to a "how to" article for converting from R12 to R134a in a 77-82 Vette. I rebuilt my A/C in my '79 recently. Be sure to replace the accumulator/dryer, oriface tube, compressor, all o-rings (to the green R134a compliant ones), pressure flush, replace oil with ester oil, evacuate with vacuum pump for 1 hour and fill. The conversion kits come with the correct new fittings.
http://www.corvettemagazine.com/comp...iendly-ac.html
Here is a link to a "how to" article for converting from R12 to R134a in a 77-82 Vette. I rebuilt my A/C in my '79 recently. Be sure to replace the accumulator/dryer, oriface tube, compressor, all o-rings (to the green R134a compliant ones), pressure flush, replace oil with ester oil, evacuate with vacuum pump for 1 hour and fill. The conversion kits come with the correct new fittings.
http://www.corvettemagazine.com/comp...iendly-ac.html
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