1973 AC unit has given up
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
1973 AC unit has given up
I have been a member of the forum for 8 years but don't normally ask questions. Everyone out there has had the answers I needed on the forums. The original compressor on the AC unit burned up and was smoking. I unplugged it and removed the fan belt so it wouldn't catch fire. Now it is time to replace the unit and other parts as needed. I do not need to go stock on the replacement. Not much else under the hood is stock any longer so why bother. What is the better Compressor to use as a replacement? I assume the AC Reciever/Drier will need replaced also. Everything else was working before the R12 Freon all leaked out. Anyone out there have a list of parts that will work? Or should I just go stock and not modify anything???
Your help is always appreciated.
Your help is always appreciated.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,711
Likes: 43
From: San Antonio TX
This may be an opportunity to make the change to an efficient compressor running r134a. I did the underhood kit (compressor, brackets, condenser, hoses). The Sanden compressors make a world of difference.
If your compressor locked up, you will have some extra work to do. The evaporator at a minimum will have to be flushed out. This is something you can do at home with a flush kit, but make sure every part that is staying with the old system is thoroughly flushed. You will also have to use a new VIR or get a VIR eliminator kit. You need to research this a bit to come to the right decision, though. I'm not a fan of the VIR eliminators, but that's just my opinion.
It's really not that hard of a job and except for having the hoses crimped by a pro a/c shop, it shouldn't take more than a weekend to do the job.
If your compressor locked up, you will have some extra work to do. The evaporator at a minimum will have to be flushed out. This is something you can do at home with a flush kit, but make sure every part that is staying with the old system is thoroughly flushed. You will also have to use a new VIR or get a VIR eliminator kit. You need to research this a bit to come to the right decision, though. I'm not a fan of the VIR eliminators, but that's just my opinion.
It's really not that hard of a job and except for having the hoses crimped by a pro a/c shop, it shouldn't take more than a weekend to do the job.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 159
Likes: 12
From: Bushnell Florida
I did an a/c replacement on my 74 recently. I got the compressor from Autozone $197, a VIR eliminator assembly from Corvette Central $719. The VIR eliminator kit had all the lines and fittings for 134a Freon. It is a plug and play system. It does require quite a bit of disassembly, and it's not cheap. But the air is cold.
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
I did an a/c replacement on my 74 recently. I got the compressor from Autozone $197, a VIR eliminator assembly from Corvette Central $719. The VIR eliminator kit had all the lines and fittings for 134a Freon. It is a plug and play system. It does require quite a bit of disassembly, and it's not cheap. But the air is cold.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 43,136
Likes: 155
From: Thomson Georgia
I did an a/c replacement on my 74 recently. I got the compressor from Autozone $197, a VIR eliminator assembly from Corvette Central $719. The VIR eliminator kit had all the lines and fittings for 134a Freon. It is a plug and play system. It does require quite a bit of disassembly, and it's not cheap. But the air is cold.
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Found the Nostalgic AC Parts kit #CK-1000 is a little more economical ($599) but will likely need more working of the hoses to fit properly. I haven't started the project yet. The garage is in the 90's in Southern California if you can believe that.
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5th Gear
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Florida
Ac
I have been a member of the forum for 8 years but don't normally ask questions. Everyone out there has had the answers I needed on the forums. The original compressor on the AC unit burned up and was smoking. I unplugged it and removed the fan belt so it wouldn't catch fire. Now it is time to replace the unit and other parts as needed. I do not need to go stock on the replacement. Not much else under the hood is stock any longer so why bother. What is the better Compressor to use as a replacement? I assume the AC Reciever/Drier will need replaced also. Everything else was working before the R12 Freon all leaked out. Anyone out there have a list of parts that will work? Or should I just go stock and not modify anything???
Your help is always appreciated.
Your help is always appreciated.