Hi all, first time poster... began searching for a while on the forum but thought I could make a new post. Younger kid that just acquired my first corvette with decent understanding of cars. Didn't have the budget for a big block, but got a great deal on a 1978 standard model with AC. It's extremely hot now in LA in the summer and I'm looking to try to bring the AC back to life. With R12 being impossible to find, my goal is to fix what's broken and convert to 134. Much thanks in advance for any guidance.
I'm wondering if there is a start to finish step-by-step guide, post or other doc on late C3 Corvette AC systems? Is there a suggested reference guide for wiring, diagrams, how to test, youtube series etc (locate an original shop manual or Haynes, etc) I'd love to take it into a shop but I just don't have the budget to turn it over to someone. I do have all the time in the world, and the budget for parts.
As for my exact issue, here's what I've noticed from a system that's probably been non-op for a while. What do you recommend starting with?
1) Belt missing for compressor (if I just put one on, any potential to damage compressor etc?)
2) Compressor does spin freely by hand if that matters with little resistance
3) Compressor wiring is disconnected, and harness clip is broken - not sure which wire attaches where
4) I see the heater core has been rerouted, do the systems work in tandem so that the heater core has to function for the AC to function?
5) Will surely need to test other AC components, just not sure how and in which order
in the cabin:
6) Fan blower works on all speeds
7) Stuck on floor setting, can't get to move to panel vents so I assume it's a vacuum problem - any diagrams for vacuum lines leading off the climate control switch?
8) cleaned contacts on switch and reassembled, still stuck on floor setting
Thanks so much for any help, trying to get my first vette going :)
(modified life-sized image to link-aapple)
|UPDATED|6/24/2015 7:41:58 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|