A/C Questions

[chevymaz]

I am looking at what it is going to take to get the A/C working in my 71 GMC.
I have just about all the parts except for the condensor and the dryer. However the compressor I have appears to be locked up. I was wondering what it would take to go ahead and convert to 134A. I know I still would need the condensor and dryer but what compressor would work since I have to buy one anyway? I know I will need a POA valve for 134A also...anything else?

[cypress TX 72]

Vintage Air - Vinatge Air - Vintage Air

[chevymaz]

Originally Posted by cypress TX 72

Vintage Air - Vinatge Air - Vintage Air

Would it make sense to spend the money on Vintage air when all I need is a few items to make mine complete? I just don't know what compressor to use.

What is the cost of a Vintage air system versus - 1 new compresor, 1 new/used condensor, 1 Dryer, and 1 POA valve for R134A?...Maybe Vintage Air would be cheaper.

[see ten]

I think V/A is around $1000 -$1100. It will come with everything but the belt and the pulley. I have heard people say by the time they got their old system going they would have spent the same or come out cheaper to have bought V/A. I personaly have it on both of my trucks.

[chevymaz]

I was just looking at their website and what all was included...it comes with everything. I think I will give them a call or call a local dealer and get a price.

[mrein3]

If you have the original POA you can adjust it for R134A.
I made the adjustment on mine but still haven't put all the pieces on the truck to finish the job.
Do a search for POA adjust and you should find the link to the procedure.

To convert you need your adjusted POA, a well flushed system, and you should be good to go. There is a procedure to flush your compressor. Basically you drain the oil out of it, put in a set amount of the new oil, drain that, then put it together, add oil, pull a vacuum, and charge it.

You also need a new receiver/dryer that is compatable with R134A. But you have to replace that any time you open the system.

[jhow66]

Just use a stock compressor--changed mine to 134-just had to change the o-rings. (new dryer also)

[GMC Jim]

IMO ....keep your truck stock with the original air conditioing system...Besides, the total parts required for the stock system will be 1/2 or less than the aftermarket units ; that look just what they are ..... Add-ons! ( just my 2 cents input !! )))

[pound41]

You have to change the o ring and the oil in the compressor, If your hoses are dry rotten you might have to replace them to. 134A works at a higher pressure. Thats it I did mine works fine

[smokekiki]

I did my suburban last year.I used a stock compressor,from autozone.I had to replace hoses because of dry rot.Flush the condensor,hoses and evaperator.You want all the old oil and junk out,especially if your compresor locked up.I used laquer thinner,and lots of shop air.Use at Your own risk,it is flammable.Brakeclean also works.I had pretty good cooling after I put it back together.I put an electric fan on the condenser,know it cools great. Go to www.autoacforum.com Search under poa valve adjustment.It is very easy to do.

[Bob B.]

I have been told that if you are converting to R134A, instead of adjusting the POA valve you are better off replacing the POA valve with a kit that converts the system from POA to cycling pressure switch and a fixed orifice tube, like the newer trucks. I am considering goung this route with my truck. Has anyone tried going this way with it?

[smokekiki]

Originally Posted by Bob B.

I have been told that if you are converting to R134A, instead of adjusting the POA valve you are better off replacing the POA valve with a kit that converts the system from POA to cycling pressure switch and a fixed orifice tube, like the newer trucks. I am considering goung this route with my truck. Has anyone tried going this way with it?

BobbyK,on this board, did his blazer with a poa eliminater.But it is a matter of peference.Mine cools as good,if not better than it did with r12,and an adjusted poa.Go to the forum I listed above and search under poa.They have a lot of info on that board,no matter which way you want to go.That is were I got all my info,and they answered all my questions.

[smokekiki]

If You want some goog reading go to this site...http://public.fotki.com/blazbk/blazer_mods/ This is from BobbyK

[chevydog66]

Check this link out for your condensor, it was given to me by John Fabris, another member on this board. http://stores.ebay.com/Classic-Condenser-Specialists

[cypress TX 72]

Vintage air - Vintage air - Vintage air
Unless you are doing a factory correct restore- no matter how you do it - it will cost less to do a vinatge air system - in the short run and the long run.
I have done it both ways

[mrein3]

Originally Posted by cypress TX 72

Vintage air - Vintage air - Vintage air
Unless you are doing a factory correct restore- no matter how you do it - it will cost less to do a vinatge air system - in the short run and the long run.
I have done it both ways

I disagree.
I picked a bunch of the stuff I needed off of an AC truck in the yard.
$100 for the box and everything attached outside the firewall. The same $100 bill got me the AC controlls, inside firewall (heater core) box, and all the vents.
I got a used condensor form da-burb for - I forget - I think $25. I got a used receiver/dryer from him at that time to help with the mock-up. The new one when I get it is $25-$30.
I have a used compressor off of my Monte - free.
I paid $100 for all the brackets to attach the compressor to the engine.
The R134a was $3/can at Wal*Mart at the end of the season (clearance).
I adjusted the POA I got off the junk truck myself - free.
I paid $80 or so for brand new AC hoses from LMC.

That is $100+$25+$30+$100+$12+$80.
approximately $350.

That is one HECK of a lot less than the $800 and up for vintage air and the others.