Air Condintion help
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Intermediate
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Air Condintion help
I have a 1974 Small block Corvette. The previous owner removed the factory air conditioning system. Compressor, condenser and mounts, and the compressor mounting brackets. The DIR and hoses are still there. Wiring is still there. Is there any way to know if the DIR is still good. Any help on where I can buy the correct compressor mounting hardware. Can I use modern AC gas with the old DIR or do I need to replace it. Thanks for any help. I know nothing about Auto Air Conditioners.
Last edited by Bills vette 007; Jul 9, 2017 at 05:47 PM.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 479
Likes: 93
From: Tennessee
I'm not sure of what a DIR is but my 76 has an VIR (valve in receiver). If they are in fact the same or similar then I recommend replacing the desiccant bag. The bracketing for the compressor should be readily available from various sources. If you can find R12 at a reasonable price then go for it. If you must convert over to R134a (what I did) then you will need the fittings for it. If you are unfamiliar with automotive air conditioning then I recommend you educate yourself and be prepared to buy all the tools necessary to perform all the tasks' associated with automotive air conditioning. You can do it but it is an acquired skill. I was just like you 3 years ago.
Last edited by ykf7b0; Jul 9, 2017 at 10:25 PM.
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Thanks ykf7b0. I am still trying to understand the AC system. Sorry for the typo, I did mean VIR. I see parts listed as an upgrade to a "modern" system. I am not sure what I need to buy at this point. If I convert to a new system do I need the evaporator too or will the existing evaporator work? I assume new hoses will be necessary. It's going to get expensive, LOL. I'm also trying to understand the emissions system. It has also been removed. I don't really care about replacing it unless it is necessary.
Last edited by Bills vette 007; Jul 10, 2017 at 09:44 AM.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 479
Likes: 93
From: Tennessee
If you did convert to a new modern system I think the condenser and a replacement for the VIR unit is part of the kit and I would get the suction and discharge hoses too if what you currently have looks to be a little weathered. It is my understanding the modern units have a condenser built for the molecularly larger R134a refrigerant. The evaporator will not need to be replaced unless the one you have is bad and you can't know until you gas it up or remove it and inspect it for evidence of past leaks. I couldn't afford to upgrade to modern and my old system isn't great but it will do for now. It's cooling at around 57 degrees. It is my future plan to upgrade to the modern system and get better a/c when money allows me to do so. Best of luck to you!!!
Last edited by ykf7b0; Jul 11, 2017 at 07:31 AM.
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Thanks. I have no choice except to not have AC. I can't imagine driving it on hot days without AC here in Tennessee. It was bad enough in Michigan. I have to buy the AC components anyway so it's a matter of which ones. I see in other threads where they have replaced the system for under $400. I can't see how. I must be shopping in the wrong places. I can't tell if the VIR is any good and replacing it alone is over $200. I need condenser and mounts, compressor and mounting brackets, VIR (or drier). New hoses, etc. Everything except the evaporator unless it is bad too. It looks to be a lot more than $400.
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Joined: Apr 2017
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Thanks. I have no choice except to not have AC. I can't imagine driving it on hot days without AC here in Tennessee. It was bad enough in Michigan. I have to buy the AC components anyway so it's a matter of which ones. I see in other threads where they have replaced the system for under $400. I can't see how. I must be shopping in the wrong places. I can't tell if the VIR is any good and replacing it alone is over $200. I need condenser and mounts, compressor and mounting brackets, VIR (or drier). New hoses, etc. Everything except the evaporator unless it is bad too. It looks to be a lot more than $400.
That said, and given I'm doing the install myself, I can tell you it's not an easy job. I was told that if you can find the right person they can do the install for about $800 - $1,200
The system costs $1,400.00 so you'd be near $2,500 - $3,000 for the whole job.
If you are planning on doing any of the work yourself, I'd opt for a new replacement - rather than chasing the old system down the rabbit hole. The new systems cool better and use modern electronics to control the motor and temperatures, etc.
If you go the VA route, I'm in the midst of that process and can at least share my experience.
Good luck!
BTW - I'm in Florida, and my car came without compressor as well - rest of the stuff was there, but give those parts were all "exposed" over who knows how long, the choice for me was simple.
Thread Starter
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I'm in the middle of replacing my AC (1975) with a system from Vintage Air. The whole system replaces the stock AC.
That said, and given I'm doing the install myself, I can tell you it's not an easy job. I was told that if you can find the right person they can do the install for about $800 - $1,200
The system costs $1,400.00 so you'd be near $2,500 - $3,000 for the whole job.
If you are planning on doing any of the work yourself, I'd opt for a new replacement - rather than chasing the old system down the rabbit hole. The new systems cool better and use modern electronics to control the motor and temperatures, etc.
If you go the VA route, I'm in the midst of that process and can at least share my experience.
Good luck!
BTW - I'm in Florida, and my car came without compressor as well - rest of the stuff was there, but give those parts were all "exposed" over who knows how long, the choice for me was simple.
That said, and given I'm doing the install myself, I can tell you it's not an easy job. I was told that if you can find the right person they can do the install for about $800 - $1,200
The system costs $1,400.00 so you'd be near $2,500 - $3,000 for the whole job.
If you are planning on doing any of the work yourself, I'd opt for a new replacement - rather than chasing the old system down the rabbit hole. The new systems cool better and use modern electronics to control the motor and temperatures, etc.
If you go the VA route, I'm in the midst of that process and can at least share my experience.
Good luck!
BTW - I'm in Florida, and my car came without compressor as well - rest of the stuff was there, but give those parts were all "exposed" over who knows how long, the choice for me was simple.
Thanks for the info. I am looking at the upgrade system from vintage air. The upgrade system is $500. It looks like it uses the original ducts and evaporator. I don't see any reason to tear apart the dash to replace the ducts. I'll also need the condenser for $280. I think I will risk it. If the evaporator is bad I can replace it later. If it is good I be at $780.
