Not sure where to post this, I guess here is as good as any. I recently purchased a 1969 442 which is mostly original. Previous owner said A/C compressor needs to be replaced. I have not had it checked by technician yet which as soon as the weather breaks, I plan too. So, the question I have is, if it needs a compressor, what should I do? Are there rebuilders of these, can it be rebuilt, where would I look to have this done if not available local? Thanks for any suggestions.

 

I guess the question would be are you worried about cost or originality? Also, did the previous owner advise why they thought the compressor was bad? Noisy compressor or just not working because it is low on freon? From my experience the compressor bearings are what go bad and while they can be replaced if they're not seated properly upon replacement they'll burn up again. I found an AC Delco replacement (A6 Compressor) for only about $200 with a 2 year warranty. Flushed the complete system to make sure there was no metal in it. Replaced the Accumulator and all the lines. Rented a vacuum tool from Autozone to discharge and vacuum the system. Recharged with R12 and it's been great for 3 years now with no leaks (knock on wood lol). Also was able to find the decal that was on the original compressor so it looks just like it did prior to me touching it.

Now on the other hand there are definitely places that can rebuild yours. I have no experience with them but first google search came up with Classic Auto Air in Tampa. When I purchased my lines I got them from Old Air Products in Texas. They may also be a source for you. Best of luck!

 

Looking at the code number on that tag it appears to be the original compressor. If it is in fact bad I would have that rebuilt.

 

I had pretty good luck getting the original compressor rebuilt for my '69 4-4-2 at Old Air Products, 1201 Forum Way South, Fort Worth, TX 76140, www.oldairproducts.com, in September 2021. The phone number there is 817-531-2665 and the person I talked with was Michael O'Steen at extension 127. My compressor was completely frozen up but I wanted to keep everything under the hood as original as possible and Old Air Products was able to rebuild my compressor even without damaging the original Frigidaire sticker. By the way, if you haven't yet figured out the code number on your compressor (081682), it means August (08), 16th (16), 1968 (8), second shift (2).

Randy C.
'68 4-4-2 convertible
'69 4-4-2 convertible

 

A6 compressors are extremely robust. Chances are all yours needs is a reseal, which is not a big deal. They even sell modern lip seals to replace the ceramic shaft seal.

 

Thank you everyone who responded to my post. Very useful information provided. I will make a decision once the warmer weather gets here to determine exactly what the issue is. To answer 72 Post's question, the former owner just said the compressor stopped working. I don't think he really had a clue and was a guess on his part. It's not seized and spins freely. We'll see once I get working on the car in the spring. Thanks again

 

Also note that it appears to have been converted to R134a...

 

If that's the case, OP needs to make sure the POA valve is adjusted to the proper pressure, otherwise cooling capacity will be diminished.