1975 Oldsmobile Delta 88 I need your wisdom

[SmartCarAmerica]

Just purchased a 1975 Oldsmobile Delta 88 convertible (my 3rd one) I purchased it on EBay and drove it home to Tampa Fl from Chicago. Car was not exactly as advertised, but still a nice car!

The A/C blew cold in Chicago but now it blows warmer than Mideast!
I took it to a local mechanic. The estimate was $1,820.96 including tax. He rate is $68.00 an hour and was going to charge 8.40 hours.

Parts included compressor ($476.79), V.I.R. valve ($60.00), evaporator ($176.00), o-rings (6) ($12.00), A/C oil ($15.00) Freon ($240.00), hoses ($200.00) for a total of $1129.79.

Labor was $571.20 and $119.07 tax.

It has been a few years since my last Delta Royale but this seems very pricey.

I found most of these parts from a lot less money. What type of parts should I look for? What questions should I ask? What is a fair price and how should I go about having the work done?

The car will need a new top soon, any tips or suggestions regarding the replacement?

Any assistance would be appreciated.

Jim

[ozoneblue]

Wish you lived in Mo. I could save you alot $ Larry Henry

[SmartCarAmerica]

I wish I owned a parts store and was a mechanic.

Unfortunately I don’t and I’m not, any other useful tips?

Thanks,

Jim -$

[Oldsfan]

I think I'd get a second/third opinion. I'd also look for a shop with a lower labor rate. The price on the compressor doesn't sound bad. I'm wondering if it really needs all those other parts. The freon price sounds too high (maybe not for your area of the country). We charge $40/lb and that system shouldn't hold more than 4 pounds. Shop around.

Paul

[SmartCarAmerica]

Paul

Thank you, I'll get a second/third opinion.

I'm wondering if it really needs all those parts too? Went to see about getting the top replaced and it was blowing cold? I live in Florida and I think we can use the cheaper freon?

Thanks again for your help.

Jim

[Oldsfan]

I did one R134A conversion and was not happy with the results. My recommendation is to keep R12 in it, as long as you can get it. It will be more expensive than R134A, but it will perform better. Is that why your estimate is so high? Is it for an R134A conversion? Maybe that's why the hoses are included. If it is a conversion, then the freon cost is really high. If it were me, I'd fix the problem and keep R12 in it.

Paul

[71 delta88guy]

First. What was the failed component? Seems he is changing the whole darn system. Why? Second. the price he gave for freon is SICK! ANYONE who does A/C work would retrofit to 134a freon. Which would cost 60 bucks for the whole kit. In short you are getting murdered. Find out the causal part. Replace that part and convert to r134a. The pressures are a bit differant with r134 so the need for an experienced tech is there. I myself have a 71 and a 74 conv. Both are 134(now). Both are cold. BUT I had to adjust the pressures to find the right setup.134 is pressure sensitive. Too much and is not good. Too little and the same. Just right and is excellent.

[SmartCarAmerica]

Will take your advice, thanks.