72 Air Conditioning
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 24
Likes: 3
From: California
72 Air Conditioning
I'm gathering the missing pieces to the puzzle of rebuilding the factory optioned A/C on my original small block car. It's mostly there, minus the compressor and some brackets. The purpose of my post is the book Air Conditioning Strategies for the 63-82 Corvette.
70's Vette Guy posted he had a PDF and would email a copy to anyone who emailed him a request. I've tried emailing him a couple of times but have not received a respone. That being said, just thought I'd throw a shout out here to see if anyone else may have it that could steer it my way. I'd buy a hard copy, but at $150 U.S. that just seems excessive.
Appreciate any help on this and thanks in advance.
70's Vette Guy posted he had a PDF and would email a copy to anyone who emailed him a request. I've tried emailing him a couple of times but have not received a respone. That being said, just thought I'd throw a shout out here to see if anyone else may have it that could steer it my way. I'd buy a hard copy, but at $150 U.S. that just seems excessive.
Appreciate any help on this and thanks in advance.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 44,681
Likes: 1,830
From: Huntsville AL
I can't imagine there is anything of value in that book that can't be found in other less expensive documents or on this forum. I would start with the following manuals for your year car.
1) Corvette Factory Assembly Instruction Manual (AIM) $22.00
2) Chevrolet Chassis Service Manual $35.00
3) Motor Manual $10.00
4) Chevrolet Corvette Parts and Illustration Catalog 1953 to 1982, (.pdf files are free on the internet)
5) Haynes Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning Manual $15.00
Illustration Catalog 1953-1982
1) Corvette Factory Assembly Instruction Manual (AIM) $22.00
2) Chevrolet Chassis Service Manual $35.00
3) Motor Manual $10.00
4) Chevrolet Corvette Parts and Illustration Catalog 1953 to 1982, (.pdf files are free on the internet)
5) Haynes Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning Manual $15.00
Illustration Catalog 1953-1982
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 2,328
Likes: 724
From: Marietta GA
Look at the vendor catalogs for parts illustrations, you will also have the costs of the needed parts. You can also look on eBay for used brackets and associated parts that may save you a few bucks, just make sure they are correct for your year and engine.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 24
Likes: 3
From: California
Thank your for your feedback, it's much appreciated. I have a pretty good grip on what I'll need to complete the rebuild. From my research it seems the factory A/C even when working at original spec doesn't seem to cool the car sufficiently and the book I mentioned has been reviewed as having additional info to get the car acceptably cooled down.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 7,658
Likes: 2,470
From: Indiana
also see this
post 7
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ette-lonk.html
i am sure the factory ac worked fine.., with r12 qas well.. that is a massive compressor..
are you using r12? if not i would think about better condenser.. even going with r12
post 7
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ette-lonk.html
i am sure the factory ac worked fine.., with r12 qas well.. that is a massive compressor..
are you using r12? if not i would think about better condenser.. even going with r12
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 13,082
Likes: 3,399
From: SW Florida.
that compressor will cool a house. working correctly it will freeze you out of the car. i don't like the POV, but if you want correct orig it is superior to the 73-77 setup. the first leak point is the front seal on the compressor. the second fail point is the 2 big rubber hoses. something about 50 year old rubber hoses and 2 to 300 psi. not saying buy this stuff, but these are the first places to look or leaks. i like to charge with 134 and see how long it stays cold. with R12 you need perfect seal. too expensive and irreplaceable. with 134 if it goes low in a month, it is a 6 buck can to bring it back up to good.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,390
Likes: 39
From: North Brunswick NJ
Thie 72 ac unit will work fine if you find and use good working original parts. I would replace the hoses and o rings to be sure of no leaks. The condenser needs to be flushed. I have the original parts on my 72 (R12)and just drove it to Mobile Al to the NCRS Nationals, from NJ 1375 miles.
The outside temp was 95 plus every day. This car ran perfectly with the air vent temp at 55 degrees. I read that air conditioning book and there was nothing to be learned form it.
The outside temp was 95 plus every day. This car ran perfectly with the air vent temp at 55 degrees. I read that air conditioning book and there was nothing to be learned form it.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 923
Likes: 155
From: North Port, FL
I just replaced the orig AC in my 72 and have most of the parts here. It all worked but here in Phoenix it didnt cool as much as I liked. Even the stuff I replaced it with is hard pressed, but it works a little better for me. Send me a PM if you need some parts. I kept the orig evap and fan but I may wind up replacing that too.
I'm gathering the missing pieces to the puzzle of rebuilding the factory optioned A/C on my original small block car. It's mostly there, minus the compressor and some brackets. The purpose of my post is the book Air Conditioning Strategies for the 63-82 Corvette.
70's Vette Guy posted he had a PDF and would email a copy to anyone who emailed him a request. I've tried emailing him a couple of times but have not received a respone. That being said, just thought I'd throw a shout out here to see if anyone else may have it that could steer it my way. I'd buy a hard copy, but at $150 U.S. that just seems excessive.
Appreciate any help on this and thanks in advance.
70's Vette Guy posted he had a PDF and would email a copy to anyone who emailed him a request. I've tried emailing him a couple of times but have not received a respone. That being said, just thought I'd throw a shout out here to see if anyone else may have it that could steer it my way. I'd buy a hard copy, but at $150 U.S. that just seems excessive.
Appreciate any help on this and thanks in advance.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 11,310
Likes: 2,097
From: Grapevine Tx
2018 C3 of Year Finalist
2016 C3 of the Year Finalist
There is also a direct bolt in conversion compressor call an S6 that is probably more efficient and draws less horse power. Paint it black and slap the old green sticker on it and it looks almost factory.
https://www.classicautoair.com/the-c...6-replacement/
https://www.originalair.com/s6-compressor-new
https://www.classicautoair.com/the-c...6-replacement/
https://www.originalair.com/s6-compressor-new