lsintampa

1975 coupe. With Z28 motor.

Car had a/c

All original AC stuff is still in the car EXCEPT the compressor.

I would like to have working AC again, given I'm in Florida.

What to do? Fix or start over?

What options are there??

Thanks,

Len.

TimAT

Just a guess at what parts you'll need. The evaporator and condenser are aluminum, as is just about everything in the system. Left open, the moisture in the air reacts with the inside openings in just about the whole system. At a minimum, you need to flush the system and pressure test it all- hoses and the works. Then fix any leaks, replace the VIR(?) or expansion valve, and get a new compressor. All that, and it's not really compatible with R-134, which is the current refrigerant. It will work but not as efficiently as a system designed for it.
And past that, by the time you've gone thru all of the above, you might be able to score either a Vintage Air or a Classic Air system that will build in R-134 capability for less cash.

Rotonda

Your standard equipment VIR system was neither very good or reliable. Time has not improved it. Your choices are either Classic Air or Vintage Air (which I prefer) OR replacing all of your innards with a 78 and up orifice AC system. Either way, your costs ( and effort) will be about the same (perhaps more with the 78 up orifice system).

Which ever way you go, you may be able to save yourself something by using one of the new replacement aluminum A6 compressors which will use your existing A6 mounting brackets (If brackets are missing, use a Sanden 508 for sure. It is far less bulky and draws less power from the engine).

lsintampa

Thanks,

Makes more sense to me to replace rather than repair and then chase down issues.

Easy Mike

Take the car to any automotive AC shop and ask for advice. You may need nothing more than a rebuilt A6 compressor and a system check and fill.

lsintampa

Curious why you prefer Vintage Air over Classic Air????

rebel542

There is nothing wrong with the Standard GM A/C system. The problem is the car! I read a book(Air Conditioning Strategies for the 63-82 Corvette, Written especially for the A/C illiterate. Michael J Davis...........Prestige Publishing, Automotive Publications

lsintampa

Well the condenser being at an angle and in front of the radiator - doesn't help.

BUT, new condensers are more efficient.. so there is something to be said about upgrading.

All things being equal, were you just to replace the condenser, it would be noticeable. The function of the AC is to REMOVE heat - not produce cold.

I'm torn between Classic and Vintage as replacements. Vintage keeps the original "look" and Classic (from what I've learned) replaces the control panel with their own unit.

Still pondering my options...

Big2Bird

An A/Csystem is designed around the refrigerant
C-3 system is designed for R-12..
If you change to R-134a, the condenser should be changed from a serpentine to a cross flow type, because that is what it requires.
R-134a uses about 20%less freon, so the system capacity is lower, and operates with a different orifice tube and pressure switch, uses different hoses since the molecules are smaller and leak out stock hoses, and the system must be flushed and uses different seals.
I tried it, and it sucked. Went back to R-12. Much better cooling.
I tried R-134a in the 81. It sucked. Went back to R-12. Much better cooling. My 2 cents.

Rotonda

I prefer it because it completely does away with vacuum controls. Also, I installed mine into a 77 so there was no kit. (I have completely done away with vacuum in my 77 - except for power brakes, and I am considering hydro-boost. Vacuum controls are UGLY.)

Vintage Air can supply a 3 **** electric control that made my conversion much simpler.

lsintampa

Thanks!

Vintage was what I came down to for my application. I wanted to maintain the original look, keeping the same outlets and especially the controls. Classic replaces the center console control unit, and I don't like the look. Maybe silly, but I do want to keep the interior as close to original looking as possible.