new /old AC
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 26
Likes: 1
From: Round Rock Texas
new /old AC
redoing a 76, factory AC hasn't worked in years. looks like needs to be replaced. what aftermarket "STUFF" is out there. this will not be a numbers car. just a driver to shows and stuff.
BTW, this is the first vet I have owned, so any help is appreciated.
casey
BTW, this is the first vet I have owned, so any help is appreciated.
casey
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 12,239
Likes: 19
From: Chino CA
I replaced my AC with a modern Sanden unit and R134.
The engine doesn't even feel it now. Almost no engine drag at all
Plus it's lighter, looks better and cools better - and I can actually buy R134 here in California
The engine doesn't even feel it now. Almost no engine drag at all
Plus it's lighter, looks better and cools better - and I can actually buy R134 here in California
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,071
Likes: 86
From: Rotonda FL
Look at Vintage Air and Classic Air for aftermarket replacement systems. There are lots of opinions about these and about stock. Two things to consider are:
1) that the GM compressors (either the big A-6 or the later R-4) are not models of efficiency or longevity. The usual aftermarket replacement is the Sanden 508, which is smaller, smoother, uses less horsepower and cycles more unobtrusively.
2) the GM design places most of the AC components in the engine compartment. The AC will be fighting a lot of engine heat in addition to ambient heat.
FINALLY, your 76 came with the Valve In Receiver (VIR) assembly. GM replaced this in 1978 and no one has used the VIR system since.
The above convinced me to go with Vintage Air. I haven't been sorry, and a number of other Forum members report good results with the system. If you have questions, do a search on my name - I have a write-up on my install into a 77 - or PM me with your questions and I will expand on my comments .
1) that the GM compressors (either the big A-6 or the later R-4) are not models of efficiency or longevity. The usual aftermarket replacement is the Sanden 508, which is smaller, smoother, uses less horsepower and cycles more unobtrusively.
2) the GM design places most of the AC components in the engine compartment. The AC will be fighting a lot of engine heat in addition to ambient heat.
FINALLY, your 76 came with the Valve In Receiver (VIR) assembly. GM replaced this in 1978 and no one has used the VIR system since.
The above convinced me to go with Vintage Air. I haven't been sorry, and a number of other Forum members report good results with the system. If you have questions, do a search on my name - I have a write-up on my install into a 77 - or PM me with your questions and I will expand on my comments .
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 26
Likes: 1
From: Round Rock Texas
this what I was looking for. did not want to try and use r-12 even though I can get it, and understood there was stuff out there that was much more efficient.
thanks again.
casey
thanks again.
casey
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,518
Likes: 37
I woud take it to a quality automative A/C place in your area. Ask them to test it out and see what it needs. Maybe just needs to be charged up.
For mine it charged but didn't cool well so I put on a VIR eliminator kit that replaces that VIR system with a modern orifice tube and dryer and it works great. I have an early 77 and the VIR system was stopped mid 77.
For mine it charged but didn't cool well so I put on a VIR eliminator kit that replaces that VIR system with a modern orifice tube and dryer and it works great. I have an early 77 and the VIR system was stopped mid 77.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,498
Likes: 206
From: Pearland Texas
St. Jude Donor '09
Go for the Kill!
Just finished my Vintage air installation last week. I have owned my 74 since 1984 , my Highschool car. Through out the years I've worked on the Ac system a few times only to get almost decent results. If you're looking for originality ,stick with working on your system. If you want to enjoy the Very low temperatures and the force of a real; blower fan motor on summer days as well as a superior heating system on Cold days go for the Kill and look at a Vintage Air system. I did. wished I would have done it sooner. The Texas summer kept me from enjoying my cruises for many years.
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Drifting
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,498
Likes: 206
From: Pearland Texas
St. Jude Donor '09
Yes I did. most of it was Very easy install. The hardest part was installing the hard duct under the steering column. but with a little patience and effort the duct installment is very doable!!.. One other thing. the hardest part was removing the old system intact, since I was originally going to hang on to it.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 26
Likes: 1
From: Round Rock Texas
thanks for all the responses. I inherited this car from my wifes uncle many many years ago the AC must have gone out and they just cut all of the hoses and pipes to get stuff out of the way. Both the condenser an entire system have been open to the elements for many years. I think I'm better off just replacing it with a vintage air system due to the fact of the cost of trying to get factory parts to make the system work. Will keep everyone up to date as things change. Thanks again for everyone's response I may be calling on some of you to get me through this process.
Casey.
Casey.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,685
Likes: 202
From: Waterford Mi
I replaced my 73 system with new stuff from Nostalgicac.com
Lots of learning a long the way.
My page
Lots of learning a long the way.
My page