Cost to replace a/c compressor
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 6,333
Likes: 1,311
C3 of Year Finalist (stock) 2019
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Cost to replace a/c compressor
I will be checking out a '76 that has 2 issues I need advice on:
== There's no a/c compressor. I was told everything is there but the compressor. What do I need to look for to know if that's all that's needed to get a/c in the car? Also, what will an a/c compressor cost?
== No power steering (PS delete). Can PS be added to a non-PS car?
Thanks
== There's no a/c compressor. I was told everything is there but the compressor. What do I need to look for to know if that's all that's needed to get a/c in the car? Also, what will an a/c compressor cost?
== No power steering (PS delete). Can PS be added to a non-PS car?
Thanks
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,597
Likes: 2,540
Here is a link to the compressor, check for missing hoses, condensor, brackets, etc.
Power steering can be added.
http://willcoxcorvette.com/product_i...ducts_id=12701
Power steering can be added.
http://willcoxcorvette.com/product_i...ducts_id=12701
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,264
Likes: 3
From: Vero Beach FL
A compressor can run from $160 to $450 the next question is do you want to stay with R12 or change to R134. I think a recharge with R12 is around $200 the conversion to R134 less than half that you might want to research it. The power steering is not a real issue as you can buy kits from several of the vendors for around $800. Or piece it together from used parts for less.
There is a better than zero chance the the rubber A/C lines will need replaced as they tend to leak as they age.
There is a better than zero chance the the rubber A/C lines will need replaced as they tend to leak as they age.
Last edited by Roco71; Feb 26, 2013 at 01:50 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,753
Likes: 119
From: Springfield Missouri
make sure and change out the "O" rings on the a/c, if not, they will start leaking. Check all hoses for cracks, replace the drier since the system has been opened up. Have a leak test done before charging up with gas, you may have leaks on other parts like the condensor or evaporator. I would stay with r-12, that is what I did when I re-did mine.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 6,333
Likes: 1,311
C3 of Year Finalist (stock) 2019
C2 of Year Finalist (stock) 2019
Here is a link to the compressor, check for missing hoses, condensor, brackets, etc.
Power steering can be added.
http://willcoxcorvette.com/product_i...ducts_id=12701
Power steering can be added.
http://willcoxcorvette.com/product_i...ducts_id=12701
A compressor can run from $160 to $450 the next question is do you want to stay with R12 or change to R134. I think a recharge with R12 is around $200 the conversion to R134 less than half that you might want to research it. The power steering is not a real issue as you can buy kits from several of the vendors for around $800. Or piece it together from used parts for less.
There is a better than zero chance the the rubber A/C lines will need replaced as they tend to leak as they age.
There is a better than zero chance the the rubber A/C lines will need replaced as they tend to leak as they age.
make sure and change out the "O" rings on the a/c, if not, they will start leaking. Check all hoses for cracks, replace the drier since the system has been opened up. Have a leak test done before charging up with gas, you may have leaks on other parts like the condensor or evaporator. I would stay with r-12, that is what I did when I re-did mine.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Might not be a bad idea. Keep shopping until you find a car with both. AC and PS were very popular options, so popular with buyers that each became standard equipment (meaning GM could raise the base price and get away with it).
Keep looking. You'll find a car with AC and PS.
Keep looking. You'll find a car with AC and PS.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 10,560
Likes: 439
From: Wellington, FL
St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25
With the a/c compressor missing, there's the possibility that the system has been (or perhaps is now) open for some time. This situation allows dirt and moisture, true enemies of a/c, to enter the system. If it were me, I'd want to replace all under hood parts which would include the evaporator, VIR, hoses, and of course, compressor. This would be an an expensive repair. It's very easy for someone to say that just the compressor is missing, implying that you just install one and all is well.
The only way to address this IMO is to determine what you want to pay for the car with the a/c unit working properly, then get an estimate from a reliable a/c repair shop, and deduct that amount. And this together with the no PS, an option you apparently want, I think you're looking at the wrong car as mentioned by Easy Mike. There's always plenty of Vettes available for purchase to check out, and one that is more suited to you. Good luck.
The only way to address this IMO is to determine what you want to pay for the car with the a/c unit working properly, then get an estimate from a reliable a/c repair shop, and deduct that amount. And this together with the no PS, an option you apparently want, I think you're looking at the wrong car as mentioned by Easy Mike. There's always plenty of Vettes available for purchase to check out, and one that is more suited to you. Good luck.
Last edited by Jud Chapin; Feb 26, 2013 at 03:18 PM.
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