air conditioning
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
air conditioning
Im looking at buying my first vette around 1968 to 1977, corvette stingray. Just looking for info on how good the air con is in this model or if there are knewer units that will fit in that would be a better option??
thanks for any help,,
thanks for any help,,
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,410
Likes: 1,547
From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
My factory A/C works fine to, the R 12 is hard to find, other then that all the other parts are available.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,112
From: Crossville TN
If you buy a factory-built A/C car, it will have all the ducting and vent door systems that are necessary for it to work correctly. And, if malfunctioning, the factory system can be put back into good operation for no more money than buying an aftermarket installed product. If you're lucky, repairing a stock A/C system could be as simple as fixing a fuse and charging the system. For my money, I'd opt for a factory system that still is functional, even though it doesn't cool well, then get it serviced by a reputable A/C repair shop. Buying one which has had the drive belt removed is almost certain to have a compressor that is "toast".
Also, having working factory A/C in the car adds at least $1500 to the sale value of the car.
Also, having working factory A/C in the car adds at least $1500 to the sale value of the car.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!
Michael S. Palmer
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!
Joe Kucinski
7 Bolt-On Upgrades From Extreme Online Store to Level Up Your C6 Corvette
Pouria Savadkouei
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Factory AC will work fine. Any automotive AC shop can bring the system up to par. R12 is still available and you do not have to make the switch to R134.
Last edited by Easy Mike; Mar 20, 2011 at 11:44 AM.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 228
Likes: 0
From: McKinney Texas
I think the factory A/C unit works pretty good in my 73. R12 is kinda expensive but if you have a tight system you should only need to charge once in awhile. I bought mine vett 2 years ago and the a/c didn't blow cold, took it to a shop had it charged and have had no issues after that.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,112
From: Crossville TN
#1 Make certain that the A/C plenum is not clogged up with leaves, twigs, mouse nests, and the like. You may need to remove the blower to do this more easily. And, if you find that the plenum is clear, THEN
#2 you need to replace the blower motor and/or fan assembly. If you replace the motor, purchase the 'heavy duty' unit if there are two available. The 'standard' replacement motor is very puny, relative to the original unit.
#2 you need to replace the blower motor and/or fan assembly. If you replace the motor, purchase the 'heavy duty' unit if there are two available. The 'standard' replacement motor is very puny, relative to the original unit.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,112
From: Crossville TN
I will say that removing the blower and/or cleaning the plenum is much easier if you have a C3 with removable side vents (70-72). You can remove the right side vent and get adequate access to do that job. You can get it done with the other years, but it's more of a PITA.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 801
Likes: 1
My vintage air system hits 36 deg.Try that with the factory air.If the car has factory air and it works fine I wouldn't swap it out.My car had a frame that look new but didnt have factory ac so I put it on.All the cars I looked at that had ac had rusty frames.I didn't let that stop me.It's not that hard to install yourself and it cools very well.No vaccum system to deal with.All electric.
