1980 Air conditioning
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 265
Likes: 76
1980 Air conditioning
Hello All,
I have a 1980 C3 that was converted to convertible before I bought the car. That was one of the things I liked about it. That body style with the convertible tail and top from a 1974 C3. The issue is I live in Miami and altough it sits in the garage with the top down all the time when I do take a drive during the days from April to November it can get pretty hot. I understand that the top on this car is basically made to keep you dry and air tight so as I'm driving expecially on the highway I have warmer air from the outside coming in. I replaced the compressor on the AC and it cools but the fan even on high really sucks and barely make a difference when compared to what my other cars blow on high.
Question is has anyone installed vintage AC unit? Will that blow much stronger and colder? I like the upgrade but it's almost $2k so I'm trying to decide if it's worth the trouble.
Thanks
I have a 1980 C3 that was converted to convertible before I bought the car. That was one of the things I liked about it. That body style with the convertible tail and top from a 1974 C3. The issue is I live in Miami and altough it sits in the garage with the top down all the time when I do take a drive during the days from April to November it can get pretty hot. I understand that the top on this car is basically made to keep you dry and air tight so as I'm driving expecially on the highway I have warmer air from the outside coming in. I replaced the compressor on the AC and it cools but the fan even on high really sucks and barely make a difference when compared to what my other cars blow on high.
Question is has anyone installed vintage AC unit? Will that blow much stronger and colder? I like the upgrade but it's almost $2k so I'm trying to decide if it's worth the trouble.
Thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,417
Likes: 336
From: Texas
The evaporator core May be restricted with leaves and crap or etc. the fan motor may be weak or replacing the ground wire to a heavy gauge wire to the frame helps some also.
An additional shutoff valve to the heater core helps too
An additional shutoff valve to the heater core helps too
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 10,560
Likes: 439
From: Wellington, FL
St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25
Check temp at dash vent. It should be in the low 40 degree area. If not, something's amiss. I lived in Hollywood, Fl, when I had my '76 (T-Top obviously) and considered my a/c adequate +. Also be sure the outside air interior vent is closed when the a/c is on.
Last edited by Jud Chapin; Mar 27, 2023 at 01:17 PM.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 319
Likes: 125
From: Midwest
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 10,560
Likes: 439
From: Wellington, FL
St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25
