A/C Question

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Jan 14, 2016 | 09:00 AM

Buickbob

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Heel & Toe

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From: Perry Michigan

A/C Question

I purchased the complete A/C system from a 1977 corvette. Will it fit and work in a 1970 Coupe?
Are there any good installation instructions around for installing it.
I hope I haven't chewed off more than I can chew.
Thanks For any help!

Jan 14, 2016 | 10:31 AM

Tampa Jerry

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From: Temple Terrace Florida

A/c

I added factory A/C to my non A/C coupe many years ago. I think I got most of the parts from a collection of early 70 cars. Are you adding A/C to a non A/C car? If so, you must cut the firewall to fit the "suitcase". Unless you are planning to remove the right side fender, you cannot install the outside air or fresh air component. Since I live in Florida, I use only recirculated inside air for cooling. I also went with a Sanden compressor as opposed to the factory A-6 compressor. That said, I would get my hands on an AIM and plan to spend about 20 hours of time doing the install. Good luck with your project. Jerry

Jan 14, 2016 | 11:32 AM

Easy Mike

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From: Southbound

Cruise-In II Veteran

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buickbob

...Are there any good installation instructions around for installing it...

The 70 AIM will have a big section on the factory AC installation. Option C60. There will also be a page showing where the firewall needs additional holes drilled and the area to cut out for the heat/defrost core.

Jan 14, 2016 | 01:48 PM

Buickbob

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Heel & Toe

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From: Perry Michigan

Thanks for all the information. I really appreciate it.
Yes I would like to add this to a original non A/C car.

Jan 14, 2016 | 08:22 PM

GUSTO14

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From: eastern NC

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buickbob

I believe that you're going to find the biggest problem to be the controls. The '77 was the first year of the GM corporate radio console and the heater/A/C controls were quite different than the earlier models. You are probably going to need to purchase an early style A/C control panel to make it work.

Compressors and brackets are also different on the '77 but if you got all of the brackets (and pulleys in case they align differently) from the donor '77 and use a '77 compressor and A/C lines it should work.

Good luck... and let us know how it works out, GUSTO

Jan 15, 2016 | 11:24 AM

7T1vette

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From: Crossville TN

Unless you have seriously researched and studied the vast number of differences between A/C and non-A/C Corvettes (C3's), you are treading in very murky waters. To put A/C in a non-A/C car is a very difficult and complex task. Just coming up with ALL the differences...not just the A/C components, but the wiring harnesses, etc....is a costly and time consuming process.

If you want A/C in a non-A/C car, just install one of the COMPLETE aftermarket A/C kits. If you MUST have a stock looking A/C system, sell your car and buy an A/C car; the car swap would be considerably less trouble than the A/C swap.

Jan 21, 2016 | 12:46 AM

ezobens

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From: Wauconda IL

If you can get all the parts from a donor car, have the time and decent mechanical skills, this isn't any more difficult than swapping from an auto to a manual trans. Some folks shy away, others have no issue.

While the aftermarket units are popular, work well and are reasonably priced, I decided to go OEM as I prefer the factory look and functionality.
Probably the biggest challenge for most people is the fiberglass work-
You need to cut the hole in the firewall bigger to accommodate the A/C evaporator housing and you need to remove the air vent tube in the RH cowl and glass it over in order to install the air door in the RH cowl area (some even bypass this step).
It's all doable if you have the skill, correct parts, patience, time and documentation. AIM is a must as well as the factory shop manual.

Your biggest issue as already mentioned is the controls. The 77' control head won't work in a pre-77' C3. The vacuum harness and wiring is different as well. I'm not even sure if the air box under the dash for 77' on up is different than pre-77' but the evaporator box in the engine compartment is usable for any year C3.