72 AC problem

[Mike Carter]

My new project is gettin gthe AC to work everyday. I've replaced all hoses, expantion valve and drier, leak tested and sealed. Made sure all controls are routed and functioning right. System is 134 converted, Iput right amount in and it blows cold, one day, overnight it leaks out, No hissing, no spots on driveway, nothing obvious, have read about sticking POA valve, troubleshot to best of my ability, should I give up and take to AC auto folks or do any of you have suggestion. I could put 15 gal tank of freon on fender like MadMax, I think evaporator is leaking but would expect evidence, Any help appreciated. This is a 72, is there anyway to upgrade?

 

[fc3]

Mike, I have spent $2000+ on my 72 vert AC... I gotta tell ya a C5 is probably the only real long term answer... But I'm hard headed enough to keep trying to make it work. Now I have cold air and a hot radiator, plus a lopey cam that doesn't really like the AC compressor at idle(800 rpm). Fred.

 

[Mike Carter]

Fred,

I think I've got 200 in freon. real PITA, I also figured out my Qjet is from a Buick and doesn't have the idle compensator circuit to pick up rpms with AC on, mine drops to 500 with AC on. What I can't understand is how it's leaking freon with no evidence. I'll keep pluggin. Hard headed too.

Mike

 

[cruisin-davey-g]

Hey Mike: I have a '72 also. The A/C in these cars are left to be desired. I've had nothing but trouble from this system through all of the years I've owned it. I had a compressor go bad & even found a small vacuum line pinched behind the main plenum, preventing one of the doors from opening properly. The air never really worked well from day one. The last time I lost cold, I said "screw it" & never really found out what caused it to go bad that time. Now that I'm redoing the car again, I've decided to forgo the whole stock frigidare system & put in a newer modern updated A/C & heat system. Most likely "Vintage Air", but will be taking a look at "Southern Air" system as well. These systems are "kick-ass" & work like champs. I'm not really concerned about being "bone-stock" & refuse to dump hundreds of dollars into a system that "stinks" to begin with. I just want to have a system that'll blow cold when I want it to & not have to worry all of the time if it will or won't. Jus my 2 pennies worth of sounding off.

Dave:

 

[Mike Carter]

Dave,

i agree with you, if you get any good info let me know, I've had this car five years and the AC has never been right, everything from misrouted vacumn to bad switches to where I am now, I would consider an update, let me know PLZ.

Mike

 

[cruisin-davey-g]

Dave,

i agree with you, if you get any good info let me know, I've had this car five years and the AC has never been right, everything from misrouted vacumn to bad switches to where I am now, I would consider an update, let me know PLZ.

Mike

Mike: OK......... "Vintage Air" does not make a direct bolt in application kit for the C-3's (as far as I know). They do make 'em for the C-2, so with that in mind, I can't see why one of their units wouldn't work in a C-3. We've been using these units in street rod applications & let me tell you, in a small cockpit type interior, the air will blow you out. I've got a buddy that put a VA unit in his 34 ford three window & he never has to run it on high (not even on super hot days),as you will freeze yourself out (using R-134) . Mostly he runs it on low! I've never seen a C-3 A/C that'll run the interior cool on low setting on a hot summer day (nighttime is different). "69MyWay" (who's an adminstrator for this Forum) has one of these units in his, so I do know that one will fit with modifications, of course. As for "southern air". I'm checking into this now. I do know that some of the guys are switching to "SA", because their units are cheaper. One other thing that I can tell you is I'd never spend 2K to try & keep a worthless A/C unit going (stock or not). Just my 2 copper coins worth! Will keep you advised.

Dave:

 

[Mike Carter]

Dave,

Agree, I'm checking this Southern Air thing too. My car is a driver and in TX it's hot. This 240 AC system is not the right answer,

Thanks for keeping me in loop/

Mike

 

[fc3]

I want to clear this up... I never intended to SPEND $2000 on my vert AC. But, A new compressor (latest expense), a total rebuild of the duct system(bad vac operated controls) dash removal(next to last expense), Leaky evaporator replacement, fan replacement,fan switch(first foray). The freon losses as well !!!
BTW, the cabin is hot, especially in Texas, so the AC is very necessary. Fred.

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[Mike Carter]

Fred,

No clear up necessary, it's friggin hot. I put a stick in thermo in the center vents the other day, 140 degrees coming out in vent position. It's a hair drier. thanks for your help.

Mike

 

[page62]

Mike, where in Texas are you? In San Antonio, I'd recommend Carlisle Auto Air. they redid my system. While not cheap, it works flawlessly! Personally, I think A/C is one of very few things best left to the pros.

What did you replace when you did the conversion? If you still have the original hoses, the R134 can leak -- at the molecular level -- right through the hose material! No kidding.

Personally, I stuck with R12 despite the cost. And the AC does keep the interior cool in 100-degree weather despite glass tops and the fastback glass rear.

 

[Mike Carter]

page 62.

About 150 miles north of you, Temple area. I upgraded hoses but I appreciate Carlisle tip, I'll check it out.

Thanks
Mike

 

[cruisin-davey-g]

Dave,

Agree, I'm checking this Southern Air thing too. My car is a driver and in TX it's hot. This 240 AC system is not the right answer,

Thanks for keeping me in loop/

Mike

Mike: 'ya know.....I've had buddies sink alot of big bucks into their stock A/C systems, just because they wanted their Vettes pure stock. This is OK for anybody that wants to do that, & I respect that. But, I've yet to see one of those systems outdo a "VA" system, in both performance & realiblity. I fugure that if your gonna spend bucks for something, you should get the best possible thing. As for me worring about my Vette not being pure stock & losing in value because of that. I can only say this.......before I started my latest reconstruction of my Vette, people in my area were "begging" me to sell & everytime I placed a price on it, there were no "haggles" or barginning......I could of sold it at my asking price at any time, which, by the way was more than a Bloomington Gold Vette. This is not bragging (I don't intend it to be), I'm just pointing out that Vettes appeal to everyone, weather or not they're "pure stock". Like any vintage auto, they're only worth what somebody is willing tp pay for it. So, Mike, whatever you decide to do, good luck & I hope that you'll get the "freeze-out" in Hot Texas in which you seek.:BOW
Take care:

Dave: