AC conversion on a '77
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 554
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From: San Jose CA
AC conversion on a '77
Hi guys, sorry if this is a topic that has been beat to death but I am not finding what I am looking for by searching. I am working on my '77 resto-mod and the engine is out of the car. My AC system is in pretty sad shape and I have decided that the best way to go is to scrap everything and buy a kit from either Vintage Air or Classic Auto Air. Neither of them offer a kit specifically for a my year but Vintage seems to have the closest - they have one designed for a '76. First question, does anyone know if the AC system on a '76 is the same as my very early '77 (build date on my car is Sept 1976). This would make things much easier for me. Second question does anyone have any experience with either of these companies? If negative please PM me, I don't want to start any public vendor flogging here.
Thanks,
Jim
Thanks,
Jim
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 4,881
Likes: 201
From: Jackson MS
Hi guys, sorry if this is a topic that has been beat to death but I am not finding what I am looking for by searching. I am working on my '77 resto-mod and the engine is out of the car. My AC system is in pretty sad shape and I have decided that the best way to go is to scrap everything and buy a kit from either Vintage Air or Classic Auto Air. Neither of them offer a kit specifically for a my year but Vintage seems to have the closest - they have one designed for a '76. First question, does anyone know if the AC system on a '76 is the same as my very early '77 (build date on my car is Sept 1976). This would make things much easier for me. Second question does anyone have any experience with either of these companies? If negative please PM me, I don't want to start any public vendor flogging here.
Thanks,
Jim
Thanks,
Jim
However the main difference will be the control unit.
I need to do the same thing with my '77.
Maybe if enough of us later model guys inquire, one of the vendors will offer something.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,399
Likes: 247
From: San Jose CA
I'd be interested in a kit for the 78. Like Wendell said above, the 77 uses 78-82 style controls (sliders) vs the dials used in 68-76.
You can still do most of the setup, modern condenser and compressor, but custom lines to your existing evaporator core and accumulator.
You can still do most of the setup, modern condenser and compressor, but custom lines to your existing evaporator core and accumulator.
Racer
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 390
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From: Austin Texas
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 554
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From: San Jose CA
The Vintage Air '76 kit looks awesome and the installation instructions are golden but like Wendellp601 says the parts in the engine compartment will work but the stuff on the other side of the firewall will not. Interestingly, the guy at Classic Auto Air quoted just that, the engine compartment components and he asked me if the "AC unit under the dash" is in good working order. I don't know about that yet, it probably is not but it seems like this guy has a clue. Might have to give him a call.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 554
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From: San Jose CA
If the link above does not work this one should:
http://tinyurl.com/hzgfc52
