I live in Arizona where the whole "just roll down the windows" concept does not work. I know I'm not the only one suffering in a car without AC in dry 100+ degree weather who knows this does not work. In 90 - 100+ degree weather all you're getting is a heat gun to the face when you roll down the windows. What companies sell a decent AC kit? Mine came with factory AC so the vents are still in the dash. The heater works so that climate control is still in it, I know I would have to replace that for AC. I'm looking for something that will fit and work with my 71 Skylark that doesn't require adding an under dash setup, something that will work with the factory dash without hacking everything up. I see a company called Cold Air Products that sells a Buick kit but it doesn't specify which model. Would something like this work? http://www.oldairproducts.com/catal...-12-volt-c-1_31000000_31000002_120131995.html Or is there something better out there? Thanks guys!
Would the Classic Auto Air Chevelle kit fit? https://www.classicautoair.com/shop/1971-chevy-chevelle-air-conditioning-system/
How much of the OEM stuff is missing? Its a little tedious and surely not a one day job, but putting the system back to stock is your best bet. "It aint the heat its the HUMILITY..." ws
I'm not sure how much of the OEM parts are missing, its all in a bucket in the trunk For all I know, it could just be a bad condenser
I had the original system still intact and it even had some pressure when I sent the high pressure hose off to be retrofitted for R 134 a. I'm installing it back as close to stock as possible without using R12. I'm using a new S-6 rotary compressor that bolts right up to the stock location. It can be done, but it's about 1000.00 for materials and refrigerant and labor are additional.
Dear 71SkylarkAZ and V-8 Buick cool-cat wannabees, The short answer is that no kit exists for a Buick. The best you can do is modify another GM kit. There are 3 companies making similar kits: Vintage Air, Classic Auto Air, and Old Air products. My trusty 1965 Buick wagon has a 1965 Vintage Air kit intended for a 1965 GTO and adapted for my car. The story of how this was done is on this thread: http://www.v8buick.com/index.php?th...-into-a-1964-67-buick-skylark-special.270379/ Today you can solve the bracket problem because someone on this board custom fabricates them. http://www.v8buick.com/index.php?threads/455-a-c-sanden-compressor-bracket.274546/ Still, there is a lot of customizing needed to get an aftermarket A/C into a Buick. It certainly can be done and I'm not the only guy with such a system. However, take some time to understand what you are taking on. Cheers, Edouard
It is possible to install factory air in your car - especially if you have a trunk full of parts. When I installed the big Nailhead in my Chevy pickup, the truck had air - the engine didn't. I had the hoses made, I hunted down all of the brackets and pulleys, and the truck now has nice cold air - a necessity in Florida as it is in Arizona. I agree with Bill who says "go stock."
The aftermarket kits are nice. I have one from Old Air Products in our 57 Dodge, much colder than my old stock systems. I'm sure my factory units can be made to work better, but why when the new stuff seems lighter and simpler?
Hi I have the Vintage Air on my 72. Works great. You will need a special bracket that holds the compressor. My friend's resto shop designed it for mine and sold quite a few to some of the V8 members. Have it for both 350 and 455. We are a master distributor for Vintage Air if that helps. If you have any questions feel free to shoot us a note. Leo
Hey guys. So it appears I have everything in that bucket 'o parts in my trunk. I'm not an AC guy so I stopped by my mechanic yesterday and he sifted through the bucket. He said he can't tell if the compressor is good until he hooks it all up but he was able to spin it and its not locked up so he said that's a good sign. He told me I need to get a receiver drier canister, a retro fit AC kit, Pag oil, an AC belt, and an oriface tube. I was able to find almost everything on O'Reilly's website and I'll just call them or call around for anything I can't find there but they should have all of that. I probably need those air duct hoses too, simple enough. My hoses appear to be in good shape and I have the brackets for under the dash. The compressor even had the bracket still attached so I'm looking good on all fronts. However, there's a reason the previous owner took it all apart back in the day so I'm assuming it is either a bad compressor or a bad condenser, anyone have any suggestions on where I could find one or the other or both? I assume I may have to find aftermarket ones or maybe a rebuilt compressor? Thanks!
Dear 71SkylarkAZ and V-8 Buick cool-cat seekers, It might not be the cheapest, but Old Air Products has a very large selection of parts: http://www.oldairproducts.com/catalog/ Many air conditioner parts can be found a regular auto parts outlets and companies carrying restoration parts. There is a reproduction compressor available. I'm not aware of it, but there is a decent chance you can find someone to rebuild your compressor. So you have plenty of options to get your A/C working again. Cheers, Edouard
Thanks. I also found that CarID.com sells a boat load of Buick AC parts as well: https://www.carid.com/1971-buick-skylark-air-conditioning-heating-parts/ I'm pretty sure I'll be able to get my stock AC system working again with just a few parts. I'm glad I saved everything.
Hey Leo - I'm interested in putting a Vintage Air system in my 71 Skylark which had factory A/C. I've got the car ripped apart, so now is a good time and I can eliminate the big heater box in the engine bay. I have a March pulley system on my 455 with an included compressor - so that is handled. Other than the compressor mounting you mentioned, what other obstacles were there? Could I just get a Vintage Air system for a 71 Chevelle?
You can find all of the parts you need right on this site to go back to stock AC. The hard part is finding someone that is willing to take the time to make it all work. R-12 is not hard to find.
My white car has all factory components except a Pro6-ten compressor. IMHO thats the way to go. No oil slinging/leaking, and the thing will freeze you to death (it is charged with R12).
Thanks, Jay and Shawn. I think I've got everything I need to put it back together - you've encouraged me to make it happen.
