A/C compressor replacement

[gramps77]

my 77 has the bone stock and original A6 compressor in it which needs to be replaced. (dont try and force the compressor body when replacing belts or a seam will let loose)

Has anyone swapped over to the aluminum replacement or should I just look for an original style R12 type replacement?

[Chevy1966]

Hi Gramps... I am going through the same process with my two '76 trucks and have done quite a bit of research that I would be happy to share. You have many choices. There are many conversion kits from Classic Auto Air (http://www.classicautoair.com), Born-Again Air (http://www.bornagainair.com), Duracool (http://www.duracool.com) and a few others. In the end I decided to keep the A6 compressor and rebuild it as I have been convinced that it is a good workhorse when properly maintained. Remember you have other things to consider when you are rehabilitating your AC system such as the refrigerant that you will be using. I have definitely decided against converting to R-134 and instead have gone with the Duracool R-12 compatible product. Hope this information helps - just let me know if you want more details from my recent experience. If you do decide to get rid of your stock A6 compressor, let me know - I would be interested in buying it as a spare. --Rob

[gramps77]

Originally Posted by Chevy1966

Hi Gramps... I am going through the same process with my two '76 trucks and have done quite a bit of research that I would be happy to share. You have many choices. There are many conversion kits from Classic Auto Air (http://www.classicautoair.com), Born-Again Air (http://www.bornagainair.com), Duracool (http://www.duracool.com) and a few others. In the end I decided to keep the A6 compressor and rebuild it as I have been convinced that it is a good workhorse when properly maintained. Remember you have other things to consider when you are rehabilitating your AC system such as the refrigerant that you will be using. I have definitely decided against converting to R-134 and instead have gone with the Duracool R-12 compatible product. Hope this information helps - just let me know if you want more details from my recent experience. If you do decide to get rid of your stock A6 compressor, let me know - I would be interested in buying it as a spare. --Rob

Thanks Rob, I had seen the classic auto air and actually called but noone ever answered the phone. I want to keep my R12, and the seam actually looks like it could be welded back together but not sure what damage it would do internally. I suppose I should call around to see about just getting it repaired. The AC worked great until I screwed it up just to replace the old belts.