Ac Compressor Replacement (someone Please Answer)

chromebumpers

chromebumpers

solid fixture here in the forum
Staff member
I know what you’re thinking, where else could I post this?

If I have no choice but to replace the AC compressor, which one do I get? Is there a simple bolt on new style compressor?

Aside from giving this job away, what is the easiest way to replace this compressor (since I have not heard if the original can be rebuilt). Of course I’m referring to those foot long all black compressors from either Harrison’s or Fridgidaire that were on all GM cars and trucks of the 60s and 70s.

Rich
 
Rich I think there is an aftermarket company that sells new replacements I don't know if they go back to the 60's and 70's
 
There are a good half dozen companies that sell compressors in the “Style” of the originals but I always see people using the compact compressors for replacements. I can’t find anything about fitting those in place of the original compressors. I’ll have to start making calls on Monday.
 
As far as car restoring goes as big as it is I would have to believe that there is something out there even the exact one if you want to pay for it
 
I don’t really want to make this into a big black hole throwing money into it. I set out to sell it after I made it right by most measures. I’m trying to keep costs down by doing what I can myself. I put aside parts and materials for this car several years ago like the new exhaust, tilt steering column, a 4 barrel carb, new carpet, weather stripping, replacement rear bumper, detailing supplies, battery and all new brakes, lines master cylinder and rotors. I didn’t count on the AC being a total basket case. I see remanufactured AC Delco Compressors for $225 on Partsgeek.com. I need about another $200 to $250 in supporting components to the AC system and that’s where I stop. I have refrigerant recovery equipment, vac pump, and gauges. I figure If I can flip R12 to 134 and charge an AC system, how difficult can it be to go a bit further to install the replacement parts of the AC system?
I’m looking to work through some personal problems right now and I need to do this on my own were possible (tough to explain right now).
 
It doesn't sound like you're totally committed to making everything period correct and #s matching so that should help with cost anyway check on the oil in the system I don't know if the oils are compatible
 
Blow the lines and stuff your not replacing with nitrogen and I dont know how they ship those compressors but check the oil if you are installing an R12 compressor it might need changed or check to see if its OK with 134A
 
All the reman’d compressors come with R12 installed unless you order the R134. Comes with the PAG oil in them.

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R134. I don’t know why people are choosing R12? For a 100 point show car?

Im getting an education on this one, I have to do the Corvette next. I charged the pickup tonight. I can’t find any leaks, it was charged nearly 3 years back.
 
If you are getting a R134 compressor just flush the system out with nitrogen and if you want to be real safe there is a refrigerant flush kit that you can buy from an A/C supply house like R E Michel that I would recommend
 
I bought a 24 Oz spray can of automotive AC flush w/hose adapter, from Advance last week. I think my nitrogen tank needs a refill, I haven’t had any need of it for a few years now.
 
I would definitely push some nitrogen through it to help flush it and blow out any bad stuff it there and when you pump it down keep the pump on for a longer time because you opened the system up then do a quick nitrogen flush again then another quick pump down that is what I would do
 
Oh by the way, I thought you might be curious (for a nano second anyway), I got a new compressor and installed it just days before I made the deal for it.
I started getting more sleep so I wasn’t in such a fog all day when it came time to turn wrenches. Those old A6 compressors are sure heavy as hell! Aside from my aching back wrestling that thing into place there wasn’t anything difficult about it. Even conversion over to 134a I could re-use most AC parts, nothing was open to the atmosphere for more than the time it took to flush out. I replaced the receiver/dryer, expansion valve and O-rings. Oh and the two rubber hoses as I cut them to remove. It took me 2.5 hrs start to finish (of the actual work, I’m not counting the time I let it sit for a few hours while pulling vacuum) and boy did it blow cold when I was done! It seems like simple shit causes me the biggest grief (like threading those bolts into the valve covers with bigs hands!) :eek:
 
I thought you were making a bigger deal than it should have been but you know how those easy jobs can get
 
I’ve been going through a rough time after these operations. Everyone must think I was exaggerating but I actually wasn’t sleeping. I was up all night , every night except for about an hour around dawn and for a long while I just couldn’t think - I was in a constant fog. I would go to the refrigerator but when I opened the door I couldn’t remember what I wanted. I had to avoid taking a nap during the day so I tried working on the cars to keep busy. Then I would forget how to do things I did dozens of times over the years. Very frustrating to say the least.
 
There were days I got an amazing amount accomplished and then other times I felt I was in the Twilight Zone with pain so relentless I just wanted to die.
 
I was screwing up simple crap I was working on, not watching what I was doing I couldn’t make any headway and loosing confidence I could do anything right. I hope I never go through that ever again!
 
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