'76 A/C complete assembly help
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
'76 A/C complete assembly help
Hi guys. I bought a 1976 L48 to do a light restoration on. My next project is tackling the A/C. Somewhere in the last 41 years, someone removed the compressor, bracket, belt, and receiver drier. The only parts that are left on my car are the condenser and one hose coming off of it. My question is, can anyone help me with a list of parts I'll need to complete the system?
Also, I've seen a bunch of kits for converting away from VIR... should I do this? What does this replace?
All I'm looking for is the cheapest and easiest way to get this done.
Any info is much appreciated. Thanks!
Also, I've seen a bunch of kits for converting away from VIR... should I do this? What does this replace?
All I'm looking for is the cheapest and easiest way to get this done.
Any info is much appreciated. Thanks!
Safety Car
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,746
Likes: 713
From: Lafayette Louisiana
Congrations on the 76!
Hi guys. I bought a 1976 L48 to do a light restoration on. My next project is tackling the A/C. Somewhere in the last 41 years, someone removed the compressor, bracket, belt, and receiver drier. The only parts that are left on my car are the condenser and one hose coming off of it. My question is, can anyone help me with a list of parts I'll need to complete the system?
Also, I've seen a bunch of kits for converting away from VIR... should I do this? What does this replace?
All I'm looking for is the cheapest and easiest way to get this done.
Any info is much appreciated. Thanks!
Also, I've seen a bunch of kits for converting away from VIR... should I do this? What does this replace?
All I'm looking for is the cheapest and easiest way to get this done.
Any info is much appreciated. Thanks!
Suggest you get the 76 AIM (Assembly Instruction Manual, what the GM factory used to assemble) and in the back, under options, you will find dwgs of all the parts and setup you need. You can buy on ebay or Corvette vendors have them too.
IMHO, installing Vintage Air gives the best results. I installed a VIR eliminator in my 76 and it worked ok. Since you are going to have to buy new hoses, and more, you might price out all that you need and then compare to what it would cost you to install Vintage Air. I am thinking the cost either way will be similar and the Vintage Air will give you excellent results.
Hope this helps and enjoy your new ride!
Last edited by 20mercury; Jan 24, 2017 at 10:41 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 6,499
Likes: 1,933
From: Temple Terrace Florida
A/c
Best way to proceed would be to obtain an AIM for your year. Check the section for A/C and you should have all the info you need to piece your system back. Once you have that, check the various parts houses for any parts you need. You can check with Classic Auto Air in Tampa for hoses and info regarding your application. Good luck. Jery
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 124
Likes: 50
From: LA CA
If I can please jump in on this thread. I am in the same situation as Vcura.with my 74. Just completed and engine swap and the car is running perfect now it's A/C time before paint.
Trying to decide weather to go with a new aftermarket system like Vintage Air or Classic Auto. or purchase all new parts and convert to R134 and keep my duct, controls, and look the same.
Other then installation efforts the only down side I heard about the aftermarket systems is that with the evaporator, heater coil, and blower inside the car these systems tend to be very loud.
Any and all comments are welcome.
Sorry for the intrusion vcur I hope this well generate some info you are also looking for
Trying to decide weather to go with a new aftermarket system like Vintage Air or Classic Auto. or purchase all new parts and convert to R134 and keep my duct, controls, and look the same.
Other then installation efforts the only down side I heard about the aftermarket systems is that with the evaporator, heater coil, and blower inside the car these systems tend to be very loud.
Any and all comments are welcome.
Sorry for the intrusion vcur I hope this well generate some info you are also looking for
Safety Car
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,746
Likes: 713
From: Lafayette Louisiana
My 2 cents,...
If I can please jump in on this thread. I am in the same situation as Vcura.with my 74. Just completed and engine swap and the car is running perfect now it's A/C time before paint.
Trying to decide weather to go with a new aftermarket system like Vintage Air or Classic Auto. or purchase all new parts and convert to R134 and keep my duct, controls, and look the same.
Other then installation efforts the only down side I heard about the aftermarket systems is that with the evaporator, heater coil, and blower inside the car these systems tend to be very loud.
Any and all comments are welcome.
Sorry for the intrusion vcur I hope this well generate some info you are also looking for
Trying to decide weather to go with a new aftermarket system like Vintage Air or Classic Auto. or purchase all new parts and convert to R134 and keep my duct, controls, and look the same.
Other then installation efforts the only down side I heard about the aftermarket systems is that with the evaporator, heater coil, and blower inside the car these systems tend to be very loud.
Any and all comments are welcome.
Sorry for the intrusion vcur I hope this well generate some info you are also looking for
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 124
Likes: 50
From: LA CA
20mercury, I am sure the latest technology in these after market systems makes them efficient and dependable. The fact that they come as a complete systems eliminates searching for parts, hard to find unavailable parts. but why are they designed to mounted inside the car.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
Likes: 433
From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
A Vintage Air system on a 74 is a piece of cake, plus the benefits of a system designed for R-134. All the factory controls work as they did from GM.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,746
Likes: 713
From: Lafayette Louisiana
Got me.
20mercury, I am sure the latest technology in these after market systems makes them efficient and dependable. The fact that they come as a complete systems eliminates searching for parts, hard to find unavailable parts. but why are they designed to mounted inside the car.
Last edited by 20mercury; Jan 28, 2017 at 01:35 AM.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 124
Likes: 50
From: LA CA
I emailed VA and they got back to me within an hour advising the evaporator is kept cooler inside the car as opposed to being in a hot engine compartment making the system more efficient. It's a single package with the latest cooling technology like new cars.
I have a 454 with Doug's side pipes and pretty good stern not to mention my hearing is going I should not get to concerned about blower noise I guess.
I am motivated to hear TimAT saying the installation is a snap
I have a 454 with Doug's side pipes and pretty good stern not to mention my hearing is going I should not get to concerned about blower noise I guess.
I am motivated to hear TimAT saying the installation is a snap
Safety Car
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,746
Likes: 713
From: Lafayette Louisiana
Thanks
I emailed VA and they got back to me within an hour advising the evaporator is kept cooler inside the car as opposed to being in a hot engine compartment making the system more efficient. It's a single package with the latest cooling technology like new cars.
I have a 454 with Doug's side pipes and pretty good stern not to mention my hearing is going I should not get to concerned about blower noise I guess.
I am motivated to hear TimAT saying the installation is a snap
I have a 454 with Doug's side pipes and pretty good stern not to mention my hearing is going I should not get to concerned about blower noise I guess.
I am motivated to hear TimAT saying the installation is a snap
I must say, my hearing is shot too, so maybe my opinion on the noise does not count, LOL's!
VA install was not what I would call a snap for me, ha, but quite doable. If you carefully follow the directions you can get good results.
Good luck to you whatever you decide.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 18,126
Likes: 174
From: WI
Hi guys. I bought a 1976 L48 to do a light restoration on. My next project is tackling the A/C. Somewhere in the last 41 years, someone removed the compressor, bracket, belt, and receiver drier. The only parts that are left on my car are the condenser and one hose coming off of it. My question is, can anyone help me with a list of parts I'll need to complete the system?
Also, I've seen a bunch of kits for converting away from VIR... should I do this? What does this replace?
All I'm looking for is the cheapest and easiest way to get this done.
Any info is much appreciated. Thanks!
Also, I've seen a bunch of kits for converting away from VIR... should I do this? What does this replace?
All I'm looking for is the cheapest and easiest way to get this done.
Any info is much appreciated. Thanks!
Racer
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 396
Likes: 101
From: Lehigh Valley Pennsylvania
I am converting my 73 to a factory air hybrid and made an excel spread sheet listing all the parts with the page numbers from a mid America corvette AIM manual for a 69. My intent is to use the factory interior and install aftermarket hoses, compressor w/brackets expansion valve, condenser and drier. VA offers a package for that. I believe he quoted me $799. Let me know how to send you the spread sheet if you are interested.