AC condenser clearance?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,273
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From: Austin TX
AC condenser clearance?
It's almost AC time here in Texas again!
The AC condenser on my 71 is installed on brackets that support it about 2.5" in front of the radiator. My other, newer, cars from GM and Ford have the condenser snug up in front of the radiator.
Does this make a difference?
Should I relocate mine closer to the radiator for better performance?
The AC condenser on my 71 is installed on brackets that support it about 2.5" in front of the radiator. My other, newer, cars from GM and Ford have the condenser snug up in front of the radiator.
Does this make a difference?
Should I relocate mine closer to the radiator for better performance?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 9,662
Likes: 7
From: Semper ubi, sub ubi
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Re: AC condenser clearance? (flynhi)
I'd leave it right were it is. I don't think you will suck anymore air through it by moving it closer to the radiator, and you might actually restrict air flow through the radiator.
I don't know if you are running R-12 or R-134a, but new condensors for R-134a applications are a whole lot smaller (a little thicker) and are supposed to be much more effiecent than the old style condensors. If I ever change over to R-134a, I'll replace my condensor with a newer style.
There are some links of http://www.aircondition.com to sites that have all sorts of upgrade parts for older A/C systems.
I don't know if you are running R-12 or R-134a, but new condensors for R-134a applications are a whole lot smaller (a little thicker) and are supposed to be much more effiecent than the old style condensors. If I ever change over to R-134a, I'll replace my condensor with a newer style.
There are some links of http://www.aircondition.com to sites that have all sorts of upgrade parts for older A/C systems.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 9,662
Likes: 7
From: Semper ubi, sub ubi
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Re: AC condenser clearance? (flynhi)
I know that several people I know have replaced their condensors with a more modern designed condensors. The size seems to have less to do with their effectiveness than their design. Call the guys down at Vintage Air in San Antonio, I've talked to them a couple of times and they have been very helpful. They don't have a direct replacement for a complete C-3 A/C unit, but they can give you some ideas (and sell you some parts) that will improve your cooling.
As far as doing a good job on R-134a conversions, Zwede is the MAN, he spent a lot of time getting his working effectively. Check out his website.
As far as doing a good job on R-134a conversions, Zwede is the MAN, he spent a lot of time getting his working effectively. Check out his website.
