[QUOTE=dwright] Just a question for my own education.

Does the suction line have a metal spring in it to keep it from collapsing?[/QUOTE]

No.
There is supposed to be pressure in the system all the time. It is just lower on the "suction"(low) side than the high pressure side. The hoses in an A/C system are fairly thick walled. If you're interested in whether or not the line could collapse, the answer is no. At least not in any semi-abnormal circumstance.

[QUOTE=2 cruzn]

"Update" -----Once again Advance Auto Parts has a rebuilt for $60 but I think it needs the dessicant installed which I already have... and they have the VIR to rebuild my present unit...

[/QUOTE]

Well I decided to go with the VIR eliminator from Old Air Products.. cost $125. Today I finally got the old receiver out. ... what a major PIA.. could not get one fitting loose and finally had to cut the top away on the receiver so I could get a wrench on it (don't try without a flare nut wrench)... and I had to put some heat on it to braek it free... of course it's right next to all that plastic so had to insulate it from the heat etc.. etc... and of course the oil in the receiver wanted to light up too... .. ... there is absolutely no room to get my hands in there. I can't imagine what it would have cost to get done... I think I will enjoy doing the ball joints after this... 

Well I just had the fun experience of my high side hose blowing out on Thursday. The rupture was pointing right at my exhaust manifold. Like Ray it scared the sh** out of me. Lots of smoke while doing 75 mph down the freeway. I was going to stay with R12. Do you have to take the hood off to get to the nut on the condenser? Since the system is all original parts should I buy a rebuilt VIR while I am replacing the hoses? Not looking forward to getting the VIR out of the fender well. Looks like I have a winter project ahead of me

After readin through this thread and rememberin Adam's blowin out on the downhill side of the Dragon I finally feel preety good fer once not havin AC.
Good luck gettin her back together...

[QUOTE=suncountry]Well I just had the fun experience of my high side hose blowing out on Thursday. The rupture was pointing right at my exhaust manifold. Like Ray it scared the sh** out of me. Lots of smoke while doing 75 mph down the freeway. I was going to stay with R12. Do you have to take the hood off to get to the nut on the condenser? Since the system is all original parts should I buy a rebuilt VIR while I am replacing the hoses? Not looking forward to getting the VIR out of the fender well. Looks like I have a winter project ahead of me[/QUOTE]

Next to impossible to get the fitting off without the hood off. The hood is no problem... just mark it's position so it aligns back the same... take a couple bolts off the hood and with a helping hand slip it off... makes life easier. To make a long story short, since the company sent me  the VIR receiver and not the updated system by mistake, just before Pigeon Forge, I decided to go with the VIR. It is a real pain working in such a tight spot and getting from underneath not much easier, just be patient it can be done, obviously... while in there it's a good time to change the heater hoses at the core... I also went to a local A/C shop and they made me a new Low Press hose with my old manifold fittings. If yours is the High side i don't think you will have any trouble getting that.

2 cruzn38942.8545949074

OK, since this is a project that I've been putting off, I might as well ask my question rather than start a new thread. You've all help with some answers on my AC woes so here goes. I have a new condenser, and evaporator, the compressor was tested for leaks and held 230 lbs pressure for a 1/2 hour. It currently has R12 ( I still have some at work) I'm still trying to get the high blower switch to work. I believe that my system is (original 63,000) miles. Now I'm reading about VIR, desiccant, and other related parts  The last thing I need is to have anything blow, so I think I've answered my own question. Not to take a chance and I might as well replace the parts mentioned. What else do you guys suggest I replace     

[QUOTE=warbird] Now I'm reading about VIR, desiccant, and other related parts

Well you definitely need to replace the dryer or dessicant after opening a system, weather it be the VIR or the updated system with a press switch. The new system is sealed and you can't replace the dessicant. Is the suction hose in good cond? Evacuate the system (and flush first if a faulty compressor or any other contaminant is suspected). Check for leaks. Charge it up...

[QUOTE=Tuxblacray] After readin through this thread and rememberin Adam's blowin out on the downhill side of the Dragon I finally feel preety good fer once not havin AC.
Good luck gettin her back together... [/QUOTE]

ditto...  thats what the ragtop is for...