Overhaul or Replace Evaporator Coil?

Discussion in 'The Big Chill' started by 2manybuicks, Apr 14, 2020.

  1. 2manybuicks

    2manybuicks Founders Club Member

    Got the evaporator coil for my 69 GS laying around. A/C worked fine 10 years back, but car has not run since.

    I can have it cleaned out, pressure tested , made all nicey-nicey, but that doesn't mean it won't start leaking shortly down the line. Original Auto Air in Tampa says about $150 for that effort, plus I gotta box it up and send it in.

    I can also replace it with a new "high-efficiency" three-pass unit. Original Auto Air in Tampa says about $250, and I save on shipping my old unit.

    (Don't quote me on either price -- ballparking it from a phone call the other day.)

    It isn't like anyone is ever gonna see the durn thing, and I am in south Florida where every last BTU of A/C helps, so replacing it makes sense in that regard. But if these new units are just more cheap chinesium, why bother.

    Any experience or wisdom to offer?
     
  2. gsfred

    gsfred Founders Club Member

    Unless your finicky about it being original I would go with the new one. Costs a bunch to redo a 50 year old part that may still fail. Got a friend doing a 69 Chevelle. I was able to find him a new on on Evilbay rather than using the old one.
     
  3. 1973gs

    1973gs Well-Known Member

    It's hard to say which way to go. Personally, I'd have more faith in the original. More than likely, the aftermarket one won't fit correctly and will fail sooner than the original. If it was 15-20 years ago, I would have replaced it, but with the poor quality Chinese parts, good luck. Is there a radiator shop near you that can flush and test the old one? It would be a lot cheaper.
     
  4. Redmanf1

    Redmanf1 Gold Level Contributor

    I talked to Curtis about a year & half ago about sending them an original 70 unit to duplicate the condenser. From my understanding the new Parallel unit from them will out perform the original especially with 134A , not sure if the "high-efficiency" three-pass unit is the same or not. I am not sure where the new style is made but you might check. They can also recondition your original dryer. I have not had a problem cooling with the original but the FL temps could make a difference. My thoughts are if I did not have a good original to use I would for sure purchase the Parallel unit. I am not sure what the cost is now but this what was sent to me at the time " Cost to duplicate the condenser in Parallel form would be $425 plus shipping, You’ll have to send us the original."
    Hope this helps
    Nelson
     
    Last edited: Apr 26, 2020
  5. philbquick

    philbquick Founders Club Member

    An evaporator going bad on and older car was almost unheard of, but, the added efficiency of an triple pass is tempting. Which ever way you go be sure you use an expansion valve calibrated for R134. If you go the orifice tube route use a variable orifice tube, it will reduce you vent temp by 8 degrees.
     
  6. 87GN_70GS

    87GN_70GS Well-Known Member

    Send it to Benny Sanchez at Factory Auto Air and have the original cleaned and rebuilt. It will be cheaper than the other places. He goes by musclecarz on here
     

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