Cascade Crew

85 T/A WS6 · Posted: Thu Mar 08, 2007 10:41 am Post subject: A/C Conversion

I need to get my car on the road soon and in top shape, I will have a visitor here this summer from Hemmings Musclce Car (Yes its finaly going to happen).

Of course the fuel pump needs changed out and I will install new rubber, shocks, hood struts, and then there is a new A/C compressor that I will install.

When they review a car, they need to drive it and I want Jeff to be comfortable, he is the west coast editor for the rag.

I know a few of you have done this already and I searched, can I get a link to the post that explained what else I need (dryer, etc) to do this right.
(Installing a compressor and converting to the new refrigerant)
Thanks in advance!

~Don

Sellmanb · Member Joined: 30 Nov 2004 Posts: 727 Location: Tigard, OR

Is it already equipped w/ A/C? Or was it at one time? Or are you trying to add A/C to a non-A/C car?

chevymad · Posted: Thu Mar 08, 2007 7:15 pm Post subject:

Replace the drier and any o-rings that you disturb. If you dont have to take them loose don't worry about them. Replace the orifice tube with a variable one or one for R134 for best results. It will work with the R12 tube though. Usually I like to flush the condensor and evaporator out, just to make sure all the old oil is removed. Put half the new oil in the drier and half in the new compressor. Attach new fittings. When everythings buttoned up turn the compressor over a few times by hand. You don't want to hydrolock it on the new oil. Then have the system vacuumed down and refill with R134 at 80% of the original R12 capacity. If you install any new hoses make sure they're R134 compatible or they'll leak. Old hoses are conditioned by the old oil and will hold R134 fine. The reason for the oil change is that R134 will not carry the old mineral oil. So there will be no lubrication circulation. The drier should be changed because the dessicant inside it may or may not be compatible. The early stuff is not.

Mine works great since doing the retro. I think I'm going to have to add now though. Worked fine before the crash, but just sitting in the barn seems to have let it leak.

85 T/A WS6 · Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2007 10:36 am Post subject:

Sellmanb, it has AC, the cluctch seal blew. There is the option of replacing the seal but I think it still requires removal of the compressor.

If it does not require removal and only a tool, I may be able to keep it R12
for history sake. hmmmmm

I was told that if you remove the compressor and the oil is clean you should have no worries, but Im thinking if the seals gone it may not be clean.

Sorry you had to type all that up again chevymad, thanks!

RSFreak · Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2007 5:36 pm Post subject:

Hey Don, congrats on getting your car reviewed. If they like it I assume it will be featured in the mag?!?!

Xophertony · Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2007 5:47 pm Post subject:

i'll buy that issue for sure.

Schultzy89GTA · Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2007 5:51 pm Post subject:

85 T/A WS6 · Posted: Mon Mar 12, 2007 10:56 am Post subject:

Thanks Guys, yes there is a chance it may be featured. Jeff and I have been writing back and forth for a while and even traded hotwheels.

He was looking for a reason to see my car and now that he will be covering a Chevy show in Yakama, he has a chance.

Its a great mag if you have not picked up a copy its worth the price.

http://www.hemmings.com/subscribe/current_issue.html?publication=MUS