When I put the current TSP engine into my 70 GS, I removed all of the factory A/C pieces. It was leaky and didn't work particularly well anyway. I would like to put the A/C back in, but I would rather use the most efficient modern components available. Not sure whether I should reuse the factory evaporator, or replace it. Is there a more efficient replacement available? If not, can I have my original checked over? I will go new for everything else. Again, are there more efficient condensers, compressors out there, and if so, who has the best prices? Can I make it cycle like a modern car? What is the advantage to the Sanden compressors? Are they more efficient taking less power to run? Looks like they are smaller, and that is a definite plus for me.
I redid my 67 with the original 50 year old parts. All new orings Recalibrated the poa valve to run with r134a. Car blows 37 degrees and looks original under the hood and dash. The a6 compressor is a monster and has enough btu to cool a small house! Its just very heavy. If u have all ur original stuff i vote for that! But if i desire after market stuff southern air is an alternative to vintage air
Whatever you do, don't change to cycling compressor like todays cars unless you get a different compressor. The original A6 clutch was never designed for cycling. You will find folks that do it however. If you decide to change to 134, the parallel flow condensors are more efficient and are suggested. Your POA will need to be calibrated for 134 if you do. Benny Sanchez at Factory Auto Air can do this as well as restore AC parts if needed. parts here including pf condensor: www.ackits.com My plan is to re use all original stuff and R12.
Dear Larry, Cliff, Joe, Chris, Scott, and V-8 Buick cool-cats, As you may remember, my trusty wagon has a Vintage Air Sure-Fit fit for a 1964-67 GTO. The installation thread is here: http://www.v8buick.com/index.php?th...-into-a-1964-67-buick-skylark-special.270379/ Jim made the bracket for my engine, but you can now buy one from longhorn on the board: http://www.v8buick.com/index.php?threads/455-a-c-sanden-compressor-bracket.274546/ Because of fuel-injection teething problems, I never have driven my wagon much in hot weather, but when I have used the Vintage system it works well. I'm not sure it is calibrated correctly, but it is supposed to work like a modern system so that you can set the temperature and not have to fuss with it anymore. In terms of efficiency, Vintage Air ran a racer at Bonneville salt flats at over 200 mph with the A/C running! So that ought to be reasonably efficient. It is a lot more work and fussing than to put back the factory air. You'll lose some space in the glove compartment. Still, it is a modest bit of work if you want a completely modern system. If you intend to drive the car a lot with the A/C (and given your location that would seem to be required) it is definitely worth looking into. Cheers, Edouard
Classic Auto Air in Tampa can retrofit your car with the latest stuff, and make it fairly painless. New condensers and compressors (I went with an S6, which is a new-style rotary compressor that fits where an A6 was), and all the bits to convert it to R134a. They will have what you need to adapt or replace your accumulator. I have a VIR system so it can be bypassed. Expect around $1000.00 for hard parts. Give them a call.
Dear Frank and V-8 Buick cool-cats, There are three vendors of A/C systems and supplies for classic cars: Vintage Air: http://www.vintageair.com/ Classic Auto Air as you mention: https://www.classicautoair.com/ Old Air Products: www.oldairproducts.com/ This business has become rather competitive so it is worth checking out what each company has to offer. Old Air Products has a very large selection of parts. I ended up using some round vents from them which I couldn't find anywhere else. Cheers, Edouard
following this... I need to get my AC in order. Its all there (ether on the car or in the garage) but I need it cleaned very well and installed. I did plan to update to the new gas. Can 134a be used with non cycling compressor?
Same here , pulled my engine years ago for a rebuild and pulled out all the a/c goodies and put them on a shelf. It made since back then I think !!! lol Have always wanted to have it back in my car for the hot summers
Also would be awesome to see some pictures of the location and mounting of the ac components for reference if anybody has some. Hope I am not clogging up your thread Larry Thanks
No problem, I meant to let this thread go to get as much information as possible. Thanks Edouard for the supplier listings. I really like the Sanden compressor. Looks like a compact design that weighs less and has better clearance in the engine compartment.
I'm in the process of also putting my A/C components back on. I've cleaned it up and ordered a new compressor decal. I might have the wrong upper A/C compressor bracket but, will know later this week when I mount the compressor onto the lower bracket.
In refrence to changing the condensor for r134 i did need to add a pusher fan in frt of the condensor to keep highside pressures down at redlights and whenever the cars just sitting with ac running. The clutch fan was not strong enough to pull enough air. And yes i do run a factory fan shroud around the clutch fan. When the car was in motion it was fine with the factory condensor
I think I have an extra 71 bracket if you need it (will just take some digging) http://www.buickperformanceclub.com/MoreBuick455ACBracketInformation.htm
Good to know. I got the compressor mounted to the lower bracket today and the upper bracket I have might fit but, didn't have time to mount it. I'll let you know.
Aside from the weight savings I do not think the Sanden style systems are worth it. Cycling on and off is going to cause more problems than it is worth. If your car was fuel injected then you could mess with the programming but on carbed motors you are going to need to cobble up some type of idle speed compensator. The stock A6 and POA valve works very well. I'm using R152a (aka canned air) mixed with a bit of envirosafe (aka propane) and there is probably some residual R12 floating around in their too. It will freeze you out 31*on the freeway if i set it to REC mode. It consistently puts out air 35-40* in the city getting closer to mid 40s at idle. The one upgrade I would consider is switching over to a more modern style parallel flow condenser. oh and make sure to use ester oil as it has the best compatibility.
What model clutch and fan are you using? What rpm is the engine idling at with the AC running while in traffic?
Well, cooling like that is what I am after. I know Yardley has an A6 look alike(S6) that is aluminum and much lighter. I'll definitely look into the parallel flow condenser.
