Reinstalling a/c - how much work?
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Reinstalling a/c - how much work?
I'm looking at a couple of early C3s with factory air conditioning. In both cases, the air conditioning has been removed but all the parts come with the car.
How much work in involved in re-installing the a/c components?
Thanks
How much work in involved in re-installing the a/c components?
Thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
Need more information. What year car(s)? Is the condensor removed? Outer box/evaporator removed? Inner box removed? Compressor removed? Lines removed and system open to the air? If we know what is missing/wrong we can give a better answer to your question.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 631
Likes: 41
From: Tampa FL
Well in my case, everything is removed and the firewall has been glassed over - to reinstall, would need to remove motor at a minimum, and if I did that, Id rebuild it or put a crate motor in, on top of the AC. So Ill keep dreaming for now...
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 4,101
Likes: 10
From: NorCal
If you want A/C, at least hold out for one that has the inside stuff still intact. I'd run from the others. They'll never be right and have zero resale value except to racers. They are however much lighter/faster, but typically also lack a heater. Engine side A/C install is easy. It's your choice...
Hans
Hans
Racer
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 394
Likes: 0
From: Evans GA
Whether or not your firewall is glassed over, you may want to try Hot Rod Air (for 1968 - 82 Corvettes). At least one person here has already done it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
Originally Posted by MatthewClement
Car in question is a '68 vert. Compressor and evaporator have been removed, but I gather interior bits & pieces are there.
Any opinions?
Any opinions?
If it was me and you wanted factory A/C, I would get a later outside box (78-82). THen you can use later hoses and lines. You will still want to take the inside stuff out and re-seal it and put in a new heater core.
Parts estimate: Box/evap $100 used, hoses $125 new, high press line $25 used, condensor $161 new, compressor $100 rblt or $250 new,dryer $45 new, orifice tube $5 new, R134 $25 new.
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Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Sorry -- to clarify -- the a/c was working when it was removed by the previous owner. All parts are included, so it should be a re-install and charge-up job. My question is how much labour that's likely to involve.
I'm mechanically declined, so it'll have to go to a professional. I'm also located outside the US, so Hot Rod Air isn't really an option.
I'm mechanically declined, so it'll have to go to a professional. I'm also located outside the US, so Hot Rod Air isn't really an option.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 4,101
Likes: 10
From: NorCal
If the inside stuff (controls, vacuum and electrical, ducting, heater core) is intact and you have the original engine side parts, it is a reasonable proposition. I'd guess 1 - 2 K to have a pro re-install it.
Adds about 5K to the value if it is original and it works.
Hans
Adds about 5K to the value if it is original and it works.
Hans