Topic: air conditioner
in Forum: C3 Cooling and Heating Systems
Lifetime Member
Have you converted to R134a? R12 is almost impossible to find now. But the compressor will run on 134a or R12, it doesn't care. But to run 134a you'll have to replace hoses, orings, and any other soft rubber.
"Let them that don't want none have memories of not gettin' any."
- Brother Dave Gardner
ebo
http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corvette-air-conditioning-conversion-kit-r12-to-r134a-1977late-1982.html
But if your compressor is working and working well, I would not change it. Just do the o-rings, drier, etc. and go for it. Zip has this kit:
http://www.zip-corvette.com/ProductDetails/ProductDetails.aspx?pid={9DE4A3C8-24E6-48EB-9957-10C62C6615D0}&gid={0F53E5DD-AA47-4F11-BE11-843B5C019195}&pname=68-90+R-134A+Conversion+Kit&Referer=&Alias=&ptct=SGR-SR&CTitle=& You'd have to add the drier and o-rings to do it right. (on the bottom of the page)
With any of them, you'd have to do a total evacuation before and after the install, which means having a vacuum pump and good set of gauges. Not that expensive, although a cheaper way is to ply a friend with beer to do the evac and charge for you.
"Let them that don't want none have memories of not gettin' any."
- Brother Dave Gardner
http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corvette-air-conditioning-conversion-kit-r12-to-r134a-1977late-1982.html
But if your compressor is working and working well, I would not change it. Just do the o-rings, drier, etc. and go for it. Zip has this kit:
http://www.zip-corvette.com/ProductDetails/ProductDetails.aspx?pid={9DE4A3C8-24E6-48EB-9957-10C62C6615D0}&gid={0F53E5DD-AA47-4F11-BE11-843B5C019195}&pname=68-90+R-134A+Conversion+Kit&Referer=&Alias=&ptct=SGR-SR&CTitle=& You'd have to add the drier and o-rings to do it right. (on the bottom of the page)
With any of them, you'd have to do a total evacuation before and after the install, which means having a vacuum pump and good set of gauges. Not that expensive, although a cheaper way is to ply a friend with beer to do the evac and charge for you.
How cold is the air if we switch to 134 with just a dryer and o-rings change?
Just replaced the radiator and decided to do the condenser since I was there. Nitrogen tested the lines and go figure the compressor leaks so that needs replacing.
I have been told that the rebuilt compressors are hit or miss and that these rebuild companies have poor QC. Also originally these compressors were leak monsters lasting only a season at a time to begin with before requiring a recharge, probably why they were only warrantied for 1 season (meaning 4 months) when you bought the car brand new.
There is a new all aluminum compressor (silver in color) that runs about $600 that I have heard good things about them but they definitely do not look original and unfortunately this is the look I am going for. Anyone have any luck with the alluminum or an OEM new replacement like on Zip?
Also this is my first Vette, is the AC even worth pursuing, does it actually blow cold when working or even when it was new? Most AC units work well when it's recycling cooler passenger compartment air, a convertible kind of defeats that! I also wonder if it will be even noticeable with the top down in 95 degree heat.
Thoughts?
�
