75 Convert - AC/Heat - repair
 

Hi Guys:

Finally getting back into my Vette. Car is a 36K, sort of original. I've done the complete interior, brakes, exhaust, carb, etc, etc, but now in need of a operating HVAC system. Up until this year the Heat at least worked but the Blower has now quit working. Also, went to charge the AC system with R12 (I know a guy) and the main compressor hose has a 2" hole in it. So this is what I'm thinking:

Fuse is OK on the Blower motor, going to replace the Blower Motor Resistor and Motor assembly for good measure.

Obviously need to replace the Main compressor hose, but how the heck do you get the hose off the Expansion valve? Looks impossible! Any thoughts or experiences are greatly appreciated. Should I be upgrading anything else while I'm at it?

Looking to get back on the forums with pic and progress with the car, as I decided no Harley for now and focus on my Vette. Shes been in my family for 43 years! Going to rebuild the front end after the HVAC is tackled.

Thanks for reading and offering any suggestions
Tom

Tom...

I have to say this ... just from my experience... I'd replace the unit with a vintage air unit... it'll work much better than the factory unit and be less cost than fixing the original unit. Now if you are head strong on fixing the original unit... post back... I've got tons of experience in this unit.

Willcox

I recently purchased a 75 convertible and I'm planning on getting the AC up and running as well. Mine is missing the dryer and the condenser. The original hoses are all still there and the compressor. Where does one find information on this Vintage Air system?

Just a heads up on this and I'll add a bit more.... the VIR equipped cars can't handle the 134a Freon so if you repair it you'd have to use R-12 which is very costly.

It's just my opinion and experience that a repaired factory ac system will cool but it's not going to cool as well as the Vintage Air or other aftermarket systems. If installed properly the VA system will freeze you out.

Willcox

Thanks! Can you make a suggestion on the Vintage Air kit? Thanks

I'd call Vintage air direct and get one that would be your best bet. Then save all the old stuff in case you ever decided to go back or if someone would come up with something to replace the VIR drier on this system...

You should also check out this thread... https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...tion-tips.html

What's an average cost for Vintage Air installation for an 1975 original A/C equipped Vette?

Looking at the VA system instructions have me a little nervous! I've done a complete interior upgrade on the car, but this project seems slightly more intense! Question on the complete system ( Looks like $ 1480 ISGRET) do you need to replace/upgrade the wiper vents? I have an AC car thus the vents are already in tack.

Thanks for any words of encouragement.

Yes you have to take the pads out... but the passenger side is a breeze, the center console ;and small gauges isn't that easy... but not bad... and the driver pad... we'll I've posted instructions on how to do this on our tech site and the easiest way at this link....http://repairs.willcoxcorvette.com/w...ad-removal.pdf

If you are worried about how to get the other pads out... go to this link... it'll take you step by step on the right and the center dash... but use the other one for the left pad...

http://repairs.willcoxcorvette.com/w...structions.pdf

Willcox

https://www.vintageair.com/instructions_pdf/564174.pdf
https://www.vintageair.com/instructi...561174-PCZ.pdf
These two kits are our GEN IV surfeit series, one is with factory air and the other is w/o factory air
this will give you some insight to the install process

I installed VA System on my 75, ( Hi-Lites here,,) https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-on-storm.html

Really not that difficult, saying that I remember seeing something about an extra brace under the dash, for a convertible. You May want to check into that.
Have a Great Day,

Bill