ARA Air Conditioning??? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

register · 03-06-2013, 12:43 PM

What should I do?
It is not working but the clutch cycles on..
and it blows but not cold. I think there is a bad leak somewhere.
should I not waste my time and buy a newer unit?
It is in rough shape..

What is the best unit to buy for 1970 and easiest to install?

71K20chevy · 03-06-2013, 12:49 PM

I've heard good things about Vintage Air...but they're over $1300

Lee H · 03-06-2013, 01:05 PM

How about going to an A/C shop and getting an estimate to repair and recharge.

MARKDTN · 03-06-2013, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lee H

How about going to an A/C shop and getting an estimate to repair and recharge.

Ditto that. Don't give up without seeing what is wrong.

chopnchaneled · 03-06-2013, 02:16 PM

X's 2 on what Mark said, if i recall correctly ara used a york piston type compressor and they were bad to vibrate and the seals went out. alan grove makes an aftermarket mount for the later compressors, 508 sanyo etc. if thats the case.

hyatt · 03-06-2013, 02:20 PM

I had a auto repair business for 25 years specializing in ac repair
worst case on the inside unit is a bad expansion valve If compressor is bad update to sanyo type compressor but you should be able to fix much cheaper than replace

register · 03-06-2013, 02:36 PM

very difficult to find a honest repair shop in Toronto
#1 that you can trust!
#2 that has worked with older R12 units
#3 has the knowledge to pull it off

chopnchaneled · 03-06-2013, 02:41 PM

It just dawned on me where your located, it probably only got used two days a year

**Ol Blue K20** · 03-06-2013, 02:50 PM

I'll take it from ya and I'll fix for my truck

Daaaanz67 · 03-06-2013, 07:54 PM

Not tying to hack but I also have a unit like this and was wondering if ARA would be 134 comparable? Going to marry this with my ls style compressor
Posted via Mobile Device

TobyArnot · 03-06-2013, 08:00 PM

Seriously, the old R12 systems do have a tendency for the compressor seals drying out and leaking. That's why on newer systems, the compressor cycles on with the unit in defroster mode. Could be, that with limited running time, that's what you're dealing with. I second the "have it checked by a pro" before trashing the system. You might get it working for "lo-bucks".

buckskins4ever · 03-06-2013, 10:29 PM

It has been said, but I will add and agree. I think you should have a dye run done to verify your seals are bad on the compressor. If the blower unit is working, the worst case senario is new compressor, drier, and conversion over to r134. you wont find r12 and if you did it would be outrageous priced to recharge.
since its already there I wouldnt dream, of ripping it out and starting over with Vintage air.

Andy4639 · 03-07-2013, 06:51 AM

You could take the compressor off and put a late model Chevy pancake are a aftermarket compressor on it and while your at it have it swapped out to 134 A with new condensor, evaperator, acumaltor and a office tube inline. I did mine and love it.
I bought most of it from Vintage air. The evaperator and acumelator are parts house parts.

tinsoldier · 03-07-2013, 08:40 PM

How often does it cycle? If it cycles on and off often, that means it is low on freon. I would suggest you to service the system yourself. You can buy all these tools at harbor freight and keep it for future usages..

1. Vacuum pump---> http://www.harborfreight.com/two-sta...ump-66466.html

2. AC guages--->http://www.harborfreight.com/a-c-man...set-92649.html

I converted mine to envirosafe freon which is basically similar to redtek. These freons are larger molecules and suppose to not leak like r134a. You can get these here pretty cheap.

http://autorefrigerants.com/co00033.htm

Don't let air conditioner system scares you. Its not hard. On youtube they can show you how to service it. However if you system is old, I would suggest you to change to a new drier and expansion valve, and new o-rings. Do this before you evacuate the system via the vacuum above.

hannahjo · 03-11-2013, 06:47 AM

It is better that you get it checked at a good air conditioning repair servce centre.

register · 03-11-2013, 07:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hannahjo

It is better that you get it checked at a good air conditioning repair servce centre.

THat link is for home A/C repair?

Andy4639 · 03-11-2013, 07:55 AM

Sorry if I missed it but what freon are u running? If it's R-12 then u should carry it to a AC service shop and let them check it out.

I converted mine over to 134-A several years ago I just toped mine off yesterday with Artic Freeze.

register · 03-11-2013, 08:00 AM

R12
Posted via Mobile Device

Andy4639 · 03-11-2013, 08:16 AM

If you have the guages and the R-12 add a couple of cans to it and see what happens. if it starts cooling then take it and have it serviced.

03-06-2013, 02:16 PM	#5
chopnchaneled Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Atlanta, Ga. Posts: 1,050	Re: ARA Air Conditioning??? X's 2 on what Mark said, if i recall correctly ara used a york piston type compressor and they were bad to vibrate and the seals went out. alan grove makes an aftermarket mount for the later compressors, 508 sanyo etc. if thats the case. __________________ I don't think we get smarter as we get older. We just run out of Stupid things to do.

03-06-2013, 02:20 PM	#6
hyatt Registered User Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: sparta tennessee Posts: 345	Re: ARA Air Conditioning??? I had a auto repair business for 25 years specializing in ac repair worst case on the inside unit is a bad expansion valve If compressor is bad update to sanyo type compressor but you should be able to fix much cheaper than replace __________________ 1946 car hauler 1948 surburban 1937 chevy sedan 1940 olds sedan (project) 1967 ss396 chevelle 1999 dually crewcab(24000 miles)

03-06-2013, 02:36 PM	#7
register Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Toronto Ontario Posts: 60	Re: ARA Air Conditioning??? very difficult to find a honest repair shop in Toronto #1 that you can trust! #2 that has worked with older R12 units #3 has the knowledge to pull it off

03-06-2013, 02:41 PM	#8
chopnchaneled Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Atlanta, Ga. Posts: 1,050	Re: ARA Air Conditioning??? It just dawned on me where your located, it probably only got used two days a year __________________ I don't think we get smarter as we get older. We just run out of Stupid things to do.

03-06-2013, 02:50 PM	#9
Ol Blue K20 Proprietor of Dale's Corner Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Vacaville , CA Posts: 16,242	Re: ARA Air Conditioning??? I'll take it from ya and I'll fix for my truck __________________ "Some Days Chickens And Some Days Feathers" Dale XNGH ECV Sam Brannan 1004 R.I.P. 67ChevyRedneck R.I.P. Grumpy Old Man R.I.P. FleetsidePaul

03-06-2013, 12:43 PM	#1
register Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Toronto Ontario Posts: 60	ARA Air Conditioning??? What should I do? It is not working but the clutch cycles on.. and it blows but not cold. I think there is a bad leak somewhere. should I not waste my time and buy a newer unit? It is in rough shape.. What is the best unit to buy for 1970 and easiest to install? Attached Images

03-06-2013, 12:49 PM	#2
71K20chevy Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Ft Wayne Indiana Posts: 1,204	Re: ARA Air Conditioning??? I've heard good things about Vintage Air...but they're over $1300 __________________ 71 K20 64 GMC mud truck

03-06-2013, 01:05 PM	#3
Lee H Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Upland Ca Posts: 4,147	Re: ARA Air Conditioning??? How about going to an A/C shop and getting an estimate to repair and recharge. __________________ 1972 C10 SWB, Air, PS, PB, 350/350THM. Second owner. 1965 Corvette roadster, 44K miles, 327/365 SHP, 4 speed, side exhaust, knockoffs, teak, second owner (bought in 1970), Have ALL numbers matching components. My frame off restoration thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=556703

03-06-2013, 07:54 PM	#10
Daaaanz67 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Idaho Posts: 857	Re: ARA Air Conditioning??? Not tying to hack but I also have a unit like this and was wondering if ARA would be 134 comparable? Going to marry this with my ls style compressor Posted via Mobile Device

03-06-2013, 08:00 PM	#11
TobyArnot Quit if it's not FUN!!! Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Indian Trail, N.C, Posts: 864	Re: ARA Air Conditioning??? Seriously, the old R12 systems do have a tendency for the compressor seals drying out and leaking. That's why on newer systems, the compressor cycles on with the unit in defroster mode. Could be, that with limited running time, that's what you're dealing with. I second the "have it checked by a pro" before trashing the system. You might get it working for "lo-bucks".

03-06-2013, 10:29 PM	#12
buckskins4ever Registered User Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Altoona Iowa Posts: 481	Re: ARA Air Conditioning??? It has been said, but I will add and agree. I think you should have a dye run done to verify your seals are bad on the compressor. If the blower unit is working, the worst case senario is new compressor, drier, and conversion over to r134. you wont find r12 and if you did it would be outrageous priced to recharge. since its already there I wouldnt dream, of ripping it out and starting over with Vintage air.

03-07-2013, 06:51 AM	#13
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,945	Re: ARA Air Conditioning??? You could take the compressor off and put a late model Chevy pancake are a aftermarket compressor on it and while your at it have it swapped out to 134 A with new condensor, evaperator, acumaltor and a office tube inline. I did mine and love it. I bought most of it from Vintage air. The evaperator and acumelator are parts house parts. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

03-07-2013, 08:40 PM	#14
tinsoldier Registered User Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Peachtree Corners, GA Posts: 84	Re: ARA Air Conditioning??? How often does it cycle? If it cycles on and off often, that means it is low on freon. I would suggest you to service the system yourself. You can buy all these tools at harbor freight and keep it for future usages.. 1. Vacuum pump---> http://www.harborfreight.com/two-sta...ump-66466.html 2. AC guages--->http://www.harborfreight.com/a-c-man...set-92649.html I converted mine to envirosafe freon which is basically similar to redtek. These freons are larger molecules and suppose to not leak like r134a. You can get these here pretty cheap. http://autorefrigerants.com/co00033.htm Don't let air conditioner system scares you. Its not hard. On youtube they can show you how to service it. However if you system is old, I would suggest you to change to a new drier and expansion valve, and new o-rings. Do this before you evacuate the system via the vacuum above.

03-11-2013, 06:47 AM	#15
hannahjo Registered User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Toronto Posts: 1	Re: ARA Air Conditioning??? It is better that you get it checked at a good air conditioning repair servce centre.

03-11-2013, 07:55 AM	#17
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,945	Re: ARA Air Conditioning??? Sorry if I missed it but what freon are u running? If it's R-12 then u should carry it to a AC service shop and let them check it out. I converted mine over to 134-A several years ago I just toped mine off yesterday with Artic Freeze. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.



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03-11-2013, 08:00 AM	#18
register Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Toronto Ontario Posts: 60	Re: ARA Air Conditioning??? R12 Posted via Mobile Device

03-11-2013, 08:16 AM	#19
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,945	Re: ARA Air Conditioning??? If you have the guages and the R-12 add a couple of cans to it and see what happens. if it starts cooling then take it and have it serviced. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

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