1969w3155

How hard is it to remove the old a/c compressor, filter/drier and hoses, and install new replacements? I've never been one to mess with the a/c components, but if not that difficult, I would not mind giving it a shot, and saving some labor dollars in the process. The system has had the freon removed, so that concern is taken care of.

Allan R

If you don't have any freon to worry about, just get some wrenches, sockets and drivers out and git at 'r. You obviously have to untension the belt, but after that it should be just a matter of undoing bolts/fasteners. The AC bracket and pump are fairly heavy. The condensor means you have to access the front of the rad, so there's a fair bit of work involved. If you're handy with tools and take the time to plan this out, should be time consuming, but not expensive. That's where you'll save all the big bucks. Are all your replacement parts good to go? nothing like installing new parts and finding they are lame ducks. Don't ask how I know this....

joe_padavano

Kind of depends on the car and the engine... On my 84 Custom Cruiser, easy. On my 93 Allante - nearly impossible. You need to pull the radiator, cooling fans, and alternator to get to the A/C compressor.

1969w3155

'71 Supreme, new replacement parts from Old Air. I will have to have one line made as they did not have a repro at the time of purchase, but I figure if I can get most of the grunt work done it will save me a bit of cash. A shop near me has done the a/c on several vintage cars, said it would be no problem to make the one hose that I need. His quote to remove and install it all, plus freon, is $400-450.00. If I can cut his labor, should at least cut that amount in half. Do I need to buy an O ring kit, for the fittings?

Blk71SX

lefty loosy, righty tighty. use lubricant on the o rings

1969w3155

should use new O rings?

Blk71SX

YES!

some new components will come with rings

71 Cutlass

Have done my 71 Supreme 3 different times...not a problem. Only help I needed was for my wife to tighten down the compressor bracket bolts once I had everything back in and was using a crowbar to keep the compressor belt tightened...if I just had a third arm. One other note, to get receiver drier out, and condensor if you choose to replace that (hard to find one by the way), remove the front grille. Makes things infinitely easier. Also, while you're doing all of this, why not switch over to R134A, cools just fine in my car.

1969w3155

I will stick with R12, it's a closed system, and the enviroment won't be harmed when all of the components are new/replaced, thus no leaks. R134a is overated enviromentally, it's not as safe as they lead us to believe.

71 Cutlass

I wasn't recommending the R134A for environmental reasons, but rather for convenience and cost $$.

Lady72nRob71

New O-rings are available at most parts stores if you did not get new ones with the parts. Also, be sure to use line wrenches on the fittings to avoid damaging them.

Might be a good idea to have the STV / POA valve rebuilt while it is all apart, too. If you decide at the last minute to use R134, then the STV / POA will need to be calibrated for the different pressures.

Let us know the progress and perhaps post some pictures if you can. I plan to do a similar A/C resto in a few years.

1969w3155

Right now I am getting all of the info possible to do this, and figuring how to squeeze it in between car shows. The buyer that I had for this car backed out, so I'll just keep enjoying it for now.