AC - Fix or replace?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 2,753
Likes: 1
From: Fishkill NY
AC - Fix or replace?
I’m faced with a decision. My AC needs some work, from what I have found the unit under the dash is leaking and needs to be pulled. If I was to put an all new replacement AC system in that blows COLD, what would you guys recommend and a what cost?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 5,635
Likes: 4
From: Orlando Floriduh
Re: AC - Fix or replace? (SLICKMAN)
You can still get new evaporators. It is not an easy job to change one though. Usually in older cars the original evaporator gets clogged(externally) with debris like leaves and dirt. This is one of the things that causes low air flow and poor cooling in our cars, so replacing it will help to make it more efficient as will a newer blower motor.. I live in Florida and my air works fine even in traffic, everthing is stock except for R134a.. An aftermarket set-up may work a little better, but I have no complaints with mine.... but it will cost somewhere around 1K to do that. An evaporator shouldn't be more than $150. I prefer stock for a collectable car as it won't hurt the resale value.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 2,753
Likes: 1
From: Fishkill NY
Re: AC - Fix or replace? (silvervetteman)
Other than the normal places like MAD and so on, were can I find a new evaporator? This is were my freon leak is, I know this is under the dash and a BIG pain to change out.. I want to change the dryer too that is mounted in the pass side fender....
You can still get new evaporators. It is not an easy job to change one though. Usually in older cars the original evaporator gets clogged(externally) with debris like leaves and dirt. This is one of the things that causes low air flow and poor cooling in our cars, so replacing it will help to make it more efficient as will a newer blower motor.. I live in Florida and my air works fine even in traffic, everthing is stock except for R134a.. An aftermarket set-up may work a little better, but I have no complaints with mine.... but it will cost somewhere around 1K to do that. An evaporator shouldn't be more than $150. I prefer stock for a collectable car as it won't hurt the resale value.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 163
Likes: 0
From: Madison al
St. Jude Contributor
Re: AC - Fix or replace? (SLICKMAN)
I looked at my AC this weekend. We did the motor swap week before last and there was plenty of pressure on the AC system when I un-bolted it.
I tried one of the converstion kits and when the compressor kicked in it was blowing cold air. The problem is the compressor turns off really quickly. When I checked the pressure it was over 100 psi. I think it is in the 25 to 50. I started looking and corvette central sells a kit that has looks like it has everything in it for about 750 bucks. But I am like you, I dont know if I should replace is or try to get it repaired. I think if I knew a little more about how it worked and how to trouble shoot the parts I could make a better choice.
Any one want to give an how the A/C works on a corvette class??
:chevy Robby :chevy
I tried one of the converstion kits and when the compressor kicked in it was blowing cold air. The problem is the compressor turns off really quickly. When I checked the pressure it was over 100 psi. I think it is in the 25 to 50. I started looking and corvette central sells a kit that has looks like it has everything in it for about 750 bucks. But I am like you, I dont know if I should replace is or try to get it repaired. I think if I knew a little more about how it worked and how to trouble shoot the parts I could make a better choice.
Any one want to give an how the A/C works on a corvette class??
:chevy Robby :chevy
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 1,166
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From: Tulsa Ok
Re: AC - Fix or replace? (SLICKMAN)
