I’m still working on reinstalling the A/C in my 1970. It is sort of a hybrid system using the parts off of a 1978. I would like to install a “Parallel Flow Condenser” for better cooling. Has anyone installed one of these condensers on a 70, and if so where did you get it and how did you install it. Help please!!!

 

I got mine from polarbearinc.com, a company out of Fort Lauderdale. It was a universal parallel flow condenser p/n CN 20006C. It is listed at 15.5" high x 27.5" across x .70" core depth. In reality, it is approx 29" overall across and approx 1" deep at the end tanks. This is the maximum size condenser that will fit into the space available in my car.

I have a 77, which uses two brackets, one on either side, to mount the stock condenser. I used these two brackets as the mounting, together with galvanized z-flashing to mount the condenser. I drilled a series of holes in the short side of the flashing and used #6 or #8 bolts to secure it to the condenser flanges. I trimmed the long side of the flashing to end at the inside edges of the two stock mounting brackets. I then drilled additional holes through the bracket and the flashing and rivited the two together, offseting the condenser to the drivers side as much as possible to leave room to attach the #8 hose to the top (using a 90 degree hose end and the #6 fitting at the bottom. The condenser fits across the entire width of the radiator, there is no gap at the bottom, and there is approx 4 inches of radiator showing at the top. It does not interfer with the hood or lights in any way.

 

Here's mine. I forget where I got it from (some online hot rod place). I welded mounting tabs to the corners and mounted it with rubber isolators from a wiper motor.

 

Have you been happy with the parallel flow type? Can you tell the difference in performance between the origninal and this new one?

 

There's a big difference in cooling. Also, the working pressures decreased quite a lot. I highly recommend a parallel flow condenser if you're using R134a. If you're sticking with R12 you can get by with the original serpentine style.

 

I think that I'm sold. Colder is better!

 

Vintage Air will sell you a condenser, brackets and drier that will bolt right in an early C3.... I installed it with their kit and it fit perfect. They sell parts seperately also.

 

I bought their condenser kit ($199) and its a giant leap compared to the stock system, its much smaller than the original and much more efficient in exchanging heat, which results in a much less stress on the engine cooling system.

I also got a Sanden 508 and its brackets, so my A/C now is cooling much better than the original stock one.

 

Is the rest of your system stock? Is the condenser and compressor the only things that you changed?

 

Yes, everything inside the car and the evaporator box are all the original stock stuff, this is a list of things that I have used to update the A/C :

1- Sanden 508 + bracket
2- updated POA valve
3- VA Condenser kit
4- all R134a compatible o-rings and oil

the A/C now is cooling much better than before with a lot less stress on the engine.

 

Great, well that’s just about exactly what I have ordered. Now I'll just have t wait and see!!! Thank you.