Anyone ever restore their original ac system?? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Scott>72-GMC · 07-12-2013, 11:52 AM

Is it possible? Mine had the belt removed from the compressor so not sure what I got yet
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cdowns · 07-12-2013, 12:18 PM

most all parts still readily available// i've found alot have seized compressoms or clutches that are bad// then it is just a matter of tracing wires and vaccume lines to make sure stuff works

the big deal is if it needs to b charged or not////R12 $$$$$ or convert to 134 or other ones

kcsa75 · 07-12-2013, 01:00 PM

I took mine to the guy that works on my Explorer. They had to replace a switch then loaded up with compressor oil and charged with R134. The compressor is a little noisy, but it'll freeze me out of the cab. I think it cost me about $100.

**nightmare** · 07-12-2013, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kcsa75

I took mine to the guy that works on my Explorer. They had to replace a switch then loaded up with compressor oil and charged with R134. The compressor is a little noisy, but it'll freeze me out of the cab. I think it cost me about $100.

in a system that originally had R12? that's a ticking time bomb waiting to happen.

northerngmc · 07-12-2013, 01:52 PM

I was in a similar situation when I bought my 68. Belt was off and the PO told me he had put the belt on and the compressor was noisy.

I looked into just having the system charged but then thought about the price difference between kind if fixing it and really fixing it. I felt that if the belt was off the compressor was probably past due. So I bought a compressor, new dryer, and a r134 conversion kit and took it to a shop. They sucked out the r12, replaced the compressor and dryer, and did a vacuum check before recharging it with R134.

Probably cost me $1000, but that was a couple of years back and it works great. Now I live in the middle of no where ( 60N 112W) and had to pay to ship parts. I would hope you would get it cheaper.
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MARKDTN · 07-12-2013, 05:44 PM

If the belt is off, the compressor is likely bad. I would replace the compressor, dryer and expansion valve. If you want to go to a Sanden compressor, this is a good time. I will use R12 until it is not available anymore. You will not convince me that it cannot be bought. I tried for years to sell a virgin 25lb cylinder for the $200 I paid when they quit making it (let alone the $500 everybody said I would be able to get). Finally sold it last year. That is enough to do 6 or so trucks. R12 is out there if you look. Whatever you do, use either R12 or R134. Stay away from blends IMHO.

ChevLoRay · 07-12-2013, 11:15 PM

FWIW.....I used Freeze-12 in my '91 Celica and had no problems with it. I don't know what kind of blend it is, but I assume it is a blend.

I have the factory AC unit that I removed from my '69, and I will not be reusing it. The unit worked and was cold when I got the truck. The control unit had a bad switch and the P.O. installed a 2nd switch to engage the clutch on the compressor. I have since gotten another switch ass'y. I reckon it could be sold on the Parts pages, but shipping is gonna be a killer if you don't live close enough to pick it up.

Scott>72-GMC · 07-13-2013, 02:12 AM

I think I have everything there to hook it up. I have lines disconnected now there was nothing in the system I will dig more into it when I pull the motor the po swapped this motor in that's my assumption on why the belt wasn't put back on cause someone stole the dash controls How hard is the conversion kit for r134?
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DT1 · 07-13-2013, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nightmare

in a system that originally had R12? that's a ticking time bomb waiting to happen.

Not wanting to cause a fire storm here but I was told (By an experienced A/C specialist) that the R134 you get today is totally compatible in older R12 systems. Use to be that the R134 and R12 oils weren't compatible but today they are. I had my stock R12 system charged with R134 (With no other modifications) over four years ago and to date no problems.

Scott>72-GMC · 07-13-2013, 11:30 AM

I thought I heard something on this as well so ur not alone
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1972RedNeck · 07-13-2013, 12:44 PM

I've heard that PAG and ester oils both work with 134.

mgchevyparts · 07-13-2013, 03:03 PM

All the time. You never know what it'll need until you dig into it. I have a friend that does AC so it's cheaper for me. He first put a small charge R12 to check and right off the bat it had a leak in the condenser, so replaced that and a couple obviously bad hoses. Then charged again and it kind of worked but the valve, maybe called PTO valve was blocked so that had to be replaced. The compressor was OK and didn't leak. Most all parts are avail, just costs money

He finds R12 at good prices and the blends are fairly cheap also. Replacement cond. $250, valve about $100, R12 $40, hoses about $80, his labor about $60 beer and food.

mgchevyparts · 07-13-2013, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott>72-GMC

I think I have everything there to hook it up. I have lines disconnected now there was nothing in the system I will dig more into it when I pull the motor the po swapped this motor in that's my assumption on why the belt wasn't put back on cause someone stole the dash controls How hard is the conversion kit for r134?
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I wouldn't bother changing to R134

07-12-2013, 11:52 AM	#1
Scott>72-GMC Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: New providence ia Posts: 1,018	Anyone ever restore their original ac system?? Is it possible? Mine had the belt removed from the compressor so not sure what I got yet Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 72 GMC super custom.

07-12-2013, 12:18 PM	#2
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Anyone ever restore their original ac system?? most all parts still readily available// i've found alot have seized compressoms or clutches that are bad// then it is just a matter of tracing wires and vaccume lines to make sure stuff works the big deal is if it needs to b charged or not////R12 $$$$$ or convert to 134 or other ones __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

07-12-2013, 01:00 PM	#3
kcsa75 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Kansas City Posts: 3,590	Re: Anyone ever restore their original ac system?? I took mine to the guy that works on my Explorer. They had to replace a switch then loaded up with compressor oil and charged with R134. The compressor is a little noisy, but it'll freeze me out of the cab. I think it cost me about $100. __________________ Willie Swamp Angel Truckers '72 C10 Highlander *People who blindly follow a GPS end up on television programs on The Weather Channel. Some survive, some don't.*

07-12-2013, 01:52 PM	#5
northerngmc Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Whitehorse YK Canada Posts: 2,651	Re: Anyone ever restore their original ac system?? I was in a similar situation when I bought my 68. Belt was off and the PO told me he had put the belt on and the compressor was noisy. I looked into just having the system charged but then thought about the price difference between kind if fixing it and really fixing it. I felt that if the belt was off the compressor was probably past due. So I bought a compressor, new dryer, and a r134 conversion kit and took it to a shop. They sucked out the r12, replaced the compressor and dryer, and did a vacuum check before recharging it with R134. Probably cost me $1000, but that was a couple of years back and it works great. Now I live in the middle of no where ( 60N 112W) and had to pay to ship parts. I would hope you would get it cheaper. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ Blaine 59 GMC 9314 a.k.a. Whoopee 68 C20 50th Anniversary a.k.a. The Rat http://www.flickr.com/photos/northerngmc/ http://www.members.tripod.com/P-wee/index_032.htm 1.61803 is one H of a lot better than 3.14159, no really it is!

07-12-2013, 05:44 PM	#6
MARKDTN Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Chattanooga, TN Posts: 2,167	Re: Anyone ever restore their original ac system?? If the belt is off, the compressor is likely bad. I would replace the compressor, dryer and expansion valve. If you want to go to a Sanden compressor, this is a good time. I will use R12 until it is not available anymore. You will not convince me that it cannot be bought. I tried for years to sell a virgin 25lb cylinder for the $200 I paid when they quit making it (let alone the $500 everybody said I would be able to get). Finally sold it last year. That is enough to do 6 or so trucks. R12 is out there if you look. Whatever you do, use either R12 or R134. Stay away from blends IMHO. __________________ '83 K20-TPI '73 C10 '79 C10-ex-diesel(SOLD) '07 Tahoe(Son driving) '14 Suburban-DD '71 C10-current project

07-12-2013, 11:15 PM	#7
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	Re: Anyone ever restore their original ac system?? FWIW.....I used Freeze-12 in my '91 Celica and had no problems with it. I don't know what kind of blend it is, but I assume it is a blend. I have the factory AC unit that I removed from my '69, and I will not be reusing it. The unit worked and was cold when I got the truck. The control unit had a bad switch and the P.O. installed a 2nd switch to engage the clutch on the compressor. I have since gotten another switch ass'y. I reckon it could be sold on the Parts pages, but shipping is gonna be a killer if you don't live close enough to pick it up. __________________ Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was.

07-13-2013, 02:12 AM	#8
Scott>72-GMC Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: New providence ia Posts: 1,018	Re: Anyone ever restore their original ac system?? I think I have everything there to hook it up. I have lines disconnected now there was nothing in the system I will dig more into it when I pull the motor the po swapped this motor in that's my assumption on why the belt wasn't put back on cause someone stole the dash controls How hard is the conversion kit for r134? Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 72 GMC super custom.

07-13-2013, 11:30 AM	#10
Scott>72-GMC Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: New providence ia Posts: 1,018	Re: Anyone ever restore their original ac system?? I thought I heard something on this as well so ur not alone Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 72 GMC super custom.

07-13-2013, 03:03 PM	#12
mgchevyparts Registered User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Upland, Calif Posts: 698	Re: Anyone ever restore their original ac system?? All the time. You never know what it'll need until you dig into it. I have a friend that does AC so it's cheaper for me. He first put a small charge R12 to check and right off the bat it had a leak in the condenser, so replaced that and a couple obviously bad hoses. Then charged again and it kind of worked but the valve, maybe called PTO valve was blocked so that had to be replaced. The compressor was OK and didn't leak. Most all parts are avail, just costs money He finds R12 at good prices and the blends are fairly cheap also. Replacement cond. $250, valve about $100, R12 $40, hoses about $80, his labor about $60 beer and food. __________________ 1957 CHEVY 1/2 TON SHORT BED 1940 FORD 1/2 TON SHORT BED



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