Has anyone done the air conditioning system conversion successfully ? If so, did you update it to the new coolant system ( instead of the old type freon I meant)?
Were you able to use the lt1's a/c hoses, dryer, condensor, etc ? I completely forgot about the a/c system. So, any help would be appreciated, again.
If you had to get custom hoses made, where did you get them from? On this , I am totally stumped.

Have not done an A/C conversion on a Vette, but have done the R-134 changeover on other cars. Because the new environment-friendly coolant requires a much higher operating pressure that the old R-12, the compressor, hoses and condensor have to be replaced with components that can handle the increased pressure. At the moment I can't recall definitely if the dryer has to be replaced also.

Discuss this with a qualified A/C mechanic. If you don't know of one, the shop I use here is outstanding.

Hope this helps.

John

|UPDATED|5/6/2004 3:54:30 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

These people offer a "kit" for conversion. It comes with all the o-rings, oil, and gauge port adapters. They also have all the hoses available, but I don't believe it's necessary to change them unless they are leaking. I was successful in converting a friend's 70 to 134A, but opted for 12 in my car. http://www.oldairproducts.com/catalog/main_default.php

You won't have to replace the hoses as long as you don't flush them. The old stuff inside creates a barrier for the 134a molocule, which is smaller than the R12 molocule. All new hoses should hold 134a, unless they are new old stock.

Somehow, I had figured that there was a difference in components . My main concern was whether the hoses from the '94 lt1's a/c system would mate with the '76's condensor, and evaporator core. Would it not be more cost effective to just have custom hoses made , instead of trying to fit the lt1 to the '76 ? Another question would be : can the old condensor handle the the R - 134 ?
I might be needing that shops name and number John

Bill ............

The condenser and evaporator are not a problem. Although all other things being equal, those components are a bit larger in a 134a vehicle. You likely won't notice any difference.

You can have hoses made. I don't know if the existing ones will fit. Make sure you use O-rings and seals for the 134a, or they will leak.

I converted my 1976 L-48 to R-134a this year and all I did was get the conservation kit from Corvette America, it comes with what is called a VIR eliminator and a new compressor. I replaced the old dryer with the VIR eliminator, it hooked up to the same hoses and tubing, then flushed the system added the proper amount of oil and charged it with R-134a, it works fine and cools the car good. I did not replace any hoses and got the new compressor because the old one was broken not because I was converting. I am no expert but some folks make this conversation more diffucalt than it needs to be. Good luck.

GO SOOONERS

They sure do make it harder than necessary. You conversion is great, you won't lose any efficency.
If the system was working, all that's really needed is to evacuate the old freon, install the other connectors, and fill it up. You do lose a bit of cooling this way, but most people won't notice. When I get that far I will just change valves and evac and fill. If I'm not happy it will be due to the VIR not operating properly, then I'll do the same conversion you did.

I stand corrected.

Thanks.

John

I believe if you are going to switch to a late model G.M. compressor and tie into the C-3 evap. and conds. you have to make new lines with a pressure switch,new dryer-rec.,
flush system, 134 compressor oil change from R12 oil, new shrader valves. For a "straight freon conversion" you guys have it handled, I did my chev truck that way and it works well, but for the vette I'am going for the late model coversion,takes less horse power but a little more money