gip63
Forum Regular
Posts: 257
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Post by gip63 on Jul 3, 2018 18:08:32 GMT -5
My 73 has factory A/C that is currently not working, I think most of the system needs replaced. Would it be best to restore factory or install one of those vintage air systems? Not so much about money but what’s the best to maintain and be trouble free for the most part. My system has that old style compressor that looks like a twin cylinder motorcycle engine.
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Tom
CO-ADMINISTRATOR
Itching to get back to posting!
Posts: 737
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Post by Tom on Jul 3, 2018 20:44:39 GMT -5
If you are not doing a judged show car, I would replace with newer style compressor.
From time to time...eBay offer 15-20% codes that are only good for one day. That is the best time to order.
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DynoDave
CO-ADMINISTRATOR
Motown Mopar-Wizard
Posts: 11,169
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Post by DynoDave on Jul 3, 2018 20:48:44 GMT -5
Tough call. The old RV2 compressor is pretty darned rugged. And being cast iron, pretty darned heavy, and takes more horsepower to turn than newer compressors.
Heater core, evaporator and condenser may all need replacing. Then there's the drier, the a/c lines, the hot water control valve, the box itself with it's doors, seals and cables, and then the control head. It's a lot to look over, and repair or replace.
That's where the new system starts to look pretty appealing.
Personally, I plan to use the old, with the possible exception of the compressor.
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Post by hanks73340 on Jul 4, 2018 6:48:03 GMT -5
I bought the whole A/C kit from Vintage(Original Air) and mocked it up to make sure all fits. So far so good. I might keep the original compressor but I do like the looks of the new compressor that comes with the kit. Right now just saving up the monies to have someone install it and also go thru the heater box and controls. Would like to have both a/c and heat when ever needed.
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Post by odzking on Jul 5, 2018 9:29:59 GMT -5
Well, I can add my 2 cents to this. If I had to do it all over again, I would refurbish the original A/C.
I got the new compressor and under hood kit from Classic. They do NOT come with a thermostat built into the unit like the original ones did. Mine freezes ALL the TIME. It comes with an external thermostat which no matter where you put it never quite works properly.
Everyone who installed this that I have asked has the same issue. I have tried several modifications and I have it working ... OK ... but as I said if I had to do it again, original it would be. In fact if could find the one hose I need, I might even put it all back to factory yet.
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DynoDave
CO-ADMINISTRATOR
Motown Mopar-Wizard
Posts: 11,169
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Post by DynoDave on Jul 5, 2018 12:18:25 GMT -5
Are you just looking for usable metal ends that you can have rebuilt, Bob?
Chrysler, via it's Airtemp division, had some of the best a/c there was back in the day.
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Tom
CO-ADMINISTRATOR
Itching to get back to posting!
Posts: 737
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Post by Tom on Jul 5, 2018 19:47:05 GMT -5
Well, I can add my 2 cents to this. If I had to do it all over again, I would refurbish the original A/C. I got the new compressor and under hood kit from Classic. They do NOT come with a thermostat built into the unit like the original ones did. Mine freezes ALL the TIME. It comes with an external thermostat which no matter where you put it never quite works properly. Everyone who installed this that I have asked has the same issue. I have tried several modifications and I have it working ... OK ... but as I said if I had to do it again, original it would be. In fact if could find the one hose I need, I might even put it all back to factory yet. The thermostatic bulb on expansion valve basically determines how much refrigerant will be allowed to flow thru the expansion valve.
System freeze generally occurs because of lack of air flow across evaporator OR because the system is NOT cycling the compressor off when low side pressure falls below a certain threshold, OR due to moisture in system.
Import cars have used thermostats inside evaporator case for many years....and their way of doing it, works very well.
Does the classic kit have some kind of adjustable regulator?
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Post by odzking on Jul 8, 2018 16:32:20 GMT -5
Adjustable, no. They sent one but it has been suggested to get an adjustable one to replace the standard piece of crap CAA sent. Still to not put it in the engine compartment but in the cowl with the sensor on the line. Here is how it was set up before I moved in into the cowl. But the point I was making is that the original system IMHO works better.
...
well I would have uploaded the file, but it says the forum has exceeded it's limit.
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Post by hanks73340 on Jul 9, 2018 7:36:59 GMT -5
I want to thank you guys for putting out the above info and personal experience dealing with this subject. Since I am a somewhat newbie on the a/c and heat systems on these cars I will learn from the info you have posted. If I could find someone in the area that could refurbish the original setup on my Charger, I would definitely go with that instead. I would just keep the new kit I purchased for future use or sell it obviously at a loss, but what the heck. Thanks all. *thumb up*
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Post by brigond on Jul 9, 2018 10:54:54 GMT -5
Adjustable, no. They sent one but it has been suggested to get an adjustable one to replace the standard piece of crap CAA sent. Still to not put it in the engine compartment but in the cowl with the sensor on the line. Here is how it was set up before I moved in into the cowl. But the point I was making is that the original system IMHO works better. ... well I would have uploaded the file, but it says the forum has exceeded it's limit. "well I would have uploaded the file, but it says the forum has exceeded it's limit." Access the forum through a free app on your smart phone, like (Taptalk ) and you will be able to easily post a picture. It will open up your camera or access your gallery. Right from your post. I dont think it affects the forums photo storage capacity. |
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