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1974 L82 original unmolested AC car. I believe the AC system is complete. Does this look like an original compressor? PO informed me there was ‘an explosion’ and one of the hoses blew off the rear compressor hose mounting block (see it wrapped in foil). This is how I purchased the car. No idea why the mounting bolt was removed.
I have been toying with a complete Vintage Air system. Retaining original rotary controls kit. New ECU. Convert to 134A. Dash is already out. Does not look like a big deal.
Or, keep everything stock inside the car and just replace basically everything under the hood that is likely contaminated/destroyed. Stay stock? Maybe just upgrade the blower wheel to move more air.
I’ve been reading everything I can find. I’m just having a hard time pulling the trigger on ripping out an entire complete factory system. I’m estimating the VA system will likely cost twice as much but possibly function better? Is the properly functioning stock system enjoyable? Again, I’ve read options on both sides.
1974 L82 original unmolested AC car. I believe the AC system is complete. Does this look like an original compressor? PO informed me there was ‘an explosion’ and one of the hoses blew off the rear compressor hose mounting block (see it wrapped in foil). This is how I purchased the car. No idea why the mounting bolt was removed.
I have been toying with a complete Vintage Air system. Retaining original rotary controls kit. New ECU. Convert to 134A. Dash is already out. Does not look like a big deal.
Or, keep everything stock inside the car and just replace basically everything under the hood that is likely contaminated/destroyed. Stay stock? Maybe just upgrade the blower wheel to move more air.
I’ve been reading everything I can find. I’m just having a hard time pulling the trigger on ripping out an entire complete factory system. I’m estimating the VA system will likely cost twice as much but possibly function better? Is the properly functioning stock system enjoyable? Again, I’ve read options on both sides.
All opionions and experiences appreciated. - Pete
That is not the original GM compressor. It looks like it could be a Sanden which would be a working replacement.
1974 L82 original unmolested AC car. I believe the AC system is complete. Does this look like an original compressor? PO informed me there was ‘an explosion’ and one of the hoses blew off the rear compressor hose mounting block (see it wrapped in foil). This is how I purchased the car. No idea why the mounting bolt was removed.
I have been toying with a complete Vintage Air system. Retaining original rotary controls kit. New ECU. Convert to 134A. Dash is already out. Does not look like a big deal.
Or, keep everything stock inside the car and just replace basically everything under the hood that is likely contaminated/destroyed. Stay stock? Maybe just upgrade the blower wheel to move more air.
I’ve been reading everything I can find. I’m just having a hard time pulling the trigger on ripping out an entire complete factory system. I’m estimating the VA system will likely cost twice as much but possibly function better? Is the properly functioning stock system enjoyable? Again, I’ve read options on both sides.
All opionions and experiences appreciated. - Pete
First off you already have a factory AC car so there is no value in an add-on Vintage Air System. Second, the PO or someone before him removed the factory GM A6 compressor and converted the system from R-12 to R-134 freon. I'm going to assume during this upgrade the original VIR was replaced with a VIR Eliminator and the current AC pump that is on the car.
If this was my car I would not trust anything the PO said on the subject considering he is using words like explosion and you have a missing pump manifold attaching bolt. I would first re-attach the manifold (use new o-rings) and pull a vacuum to verify if in fact you have a burst hose unless a visual inspection shows a burst hose.
Doing AC work on a vintage C3 Corvette can get very expensive down at your local garage so if you can do the work yourself even if it requires buying some special tools ($150 at Habor Freight) you will be money ahead. The below link is a good example of how inexpensive an AC system upgrade is when doing the work yourself.
Great information! Thanks (all) for taking the time to respond. I would love to leave as much of the factory system intact as possible.
I was not clear and I understand the skepticism with the word ‘explosion’. The PO simply said, “while cruising with the AC on there was an explosion and a vapor cloud…..” I have attached additional photos of the hose he claimed blew off. It was wrapped in foil and a zip tie when I bought the car. No attempt was made to cover the compressor side of the open hose - and as mentioned the bolt holding the hose block onto the compressor was removed. All strange indeed.
Thanks to folks responses; I now know my compressor is not original. Looking closer at the tag I think I can make out R134. I have also attached photos of a device down inside the fender that is certainly not original. Is this an older style VIR eliminator?
Bottom line - given the open hose and exposure my AC system has had to the elements, are the components you specified (Mr. D) still a good place to start for repair?
You have an aftermarket R-134 AC pump and the original R-12 VIR and what looks like the original hose that is unserviceable. If you are not concerned with having an OEM R-12 system, the least expensive path is to go with a R-134 conversion. The link I provided in post # 6 from Spot Rot is a good example of the parts you will need.
Wild card is the condition of the evaporator and condenser based on this "explosion". What would I do if this were my car, buy a new hose and O-Rings and pull a vacuum on the system and if it held, I would flush the evaporator, condenser and hoses and install the parts that Spot Rot used to upgrade his system. You should be all in for less than $1K doing the work yourself, if you out source it to an AC shop expect to pay $3-4K.
I suggest you google search my thread. "73-E77 air-con upgrade" I wrote a couple years ago. Should give you all the info you need. Sorry, I haven't a clue how to post a link. Maybe some day I'll learn.
I suggest you google search my thread. "73-E77 air-con upgrade" I wrote a couple years ago. Should give you all the info you need. Sorry, I haven't a clue how to post a link. Maybe some day I'll learn.
Thank you Mr. D. I’ve ordered the hose and will install with new O rings to check vacuum. If by some miracle it holds - dare I just install the VIR eliminator, flush it all and roll the dice? Is it possible the system failed because the original VIR was not replaced? I can’t fathom the compressor not being ruined. I am considering ordering the Sanden unit Spot Rot specified. Honestly what I have read about hose fitment is my biggest concern. Getting into custom hoses would suck. I sure would love though if the contamination spared the evaporator/condenser. Although upgrading the condenser may be beneficial - just pricey!
Thank you 4-vettes for suggesting I google search your link. I saw the reference in the posts and tried earnestly to find it on the Forum with no luck. The google search brought it up and it was very informative. I will certainly be referring to this as I move forward!
For the record I am a 62 year old hobbyist that’s been wrenching on anything with wheels for 45 years. The Vette was a bucket list toy that I’ve been tinkering with for several years. Sorted much of it. AC is next! Like most, certainly appreciate any opportunity to save a few bucks. This thread has talked me off the Vintage Air trajectory (and price tag) so I’m taking it all in.
1974 L82 AC Rebuild or Replace
