Fixing the AC system for my '74 in stages.

 

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?

 

|UPDATED|8/5/2013 11:15:25 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

I do intend to replace mine when my bank account comes back to life. Probably some time next year or even 2015.

|UPDATED|8/5/2013 1:01:32 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

When I swapped out the radiator and condenser, I put in higher flow/capacity/larger units.  The running temp is 190 degrees all the time now.  Prior to the swap out it was 210 degrees.  I don't think I will have overheat issues

 

I found a brand new OEM A6 compressor at Zip Corvette for $399 with the felt washers and all.  I called them and they verified that they are indeed new and not refurbed. 

|UPDATED|8/5/2013 1:27:25 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

I have never had any luck with reman A6, OR R4 compressors. Might get one that survives for a couple of months, might get one that don't work from the git-go. I only buy New ones now. $400 sounds a little steep to me, but I get good prices from my suppliers. My suggestion is to go ahead and bite the bullet, get NEW, and don't worry about it working, or surviving. Of course, I'm found of saying new don't mean diddly, but there's much better odds in this case than using remans.

Joel, New OEM A6 like on Zip corvette or new aluminum type like on ecklars? Your experiences with the reman models is exactly what I have heard........not good So does your system blow out noticeably cooler air? I have read that you can run R134 thru the OEM A6 like the new one they sell on Zip, any truth to this?

I have no experience with whatever aluminuminum compressor Eckler's has, so I can't comment on those. You can absolutely run 134 in the A6, as long as you use the correct oil(PAG, or whatever the manufacturer specifies).

Is the aluminum one a Sanden like on most newer cars? 

Also, does R134 cause more or less drag on the engine when running.  Don't they run at a higher pressure?

The Eckler's compressor is just an aluminuminum "copy" of the steel A6 compressor.

Yeah, the 134 systems do run a little higher pressures, which also makes the temps in the system a little higher on the condenser side. You need a good fan/fanclutch, and an unrestricted air flow path over the condenser & radiator. As I said earlier, I've only had one car that dint cool as well as it should have, and it was a Cad Fleetwood I used to have. But even my big ol Suburban with rear air cools better with the 134 than it did with R12. After a few minutes, I have to turn the temp up on it, or it'll freeze me out. None of them have ever run much, if any, hotter, engine-wise, than before.

The A6 in my '75 is a new unit that has been converted to 134. Make sure you replace your high pressure hoses as well. Had an old one pop and learned my lesson. I don't use the air very much but cycle it once in a while to keep it functioning. No issues with overheating. Car runs along at about 190 degrees most times. I wouldn't say that the AC is very effective but then mine probably needs a recharge. I've had the whole dash apart and made sure that all of the duct work is sealed up good to the vents; it wasn't when I bought the car.

Good advice on the 134, hoses, duct work and the rest. This may end up more money and work than its worth.