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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Interior & Equipment => Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC) => Topic started by: chevy_guy on August 24, 2012, 06:57:08 pm

Title: A/C Setup--- Need help
Post by: chevy_guy on August 24, 2012, 06:57:08 pm
I have a 79 Custom Deluxe and I have to get the A/C working. The truck has the evaporator core and accumulator, but thats it.  I know I need the tubing and a compressor but not sure what type. I have a picture of all that I have below.  Could someone please lend a noobie a hand.
Title: Re: A/C Setup--- Need help
Post by: slammed79 on August 24, 2012, 08:29:12 pm
I would just go through Orielly or Autozone or another parts source. The 79 should've had an R4 type compressor and components.
Title: Re: A/C Setup--- Need help
Post by: Jason S on August 24, 2012, 10:19:00 pm
Do you have the compressor brackets? 

You may just be money ahead and get all the components from a salvage yard truck with the complete setup and then replace the compressor and lines and have the condenser and evaporator flushed.

Alternatively, if you don't have the compressor brackets or can't find them, you could get brackets for a sanden style compressor and then buy a new compressor and condenser new and have an a/c shop or auto supply store build the lines to match the fittings. 

You'll want to replace the accumulator/drier either way and replace the orifice tube. 

Whichever route you choose, make sure to get all the old oil/contaminants out of the system and replace with clean oil appropriate for the refrigerant type. Doubly ensure to use the correct amount of oil required for the compressor and use a vacuum pump to remove all air from the a/c system before charging with refrigerant.
Title: Re: A/C Setup--- Need help
Post by: ehjorten on August 28, 2012, 09:14:43 am
To add to what was already said, the accumulator is that big aluminum cylinder that is attached to your heater box.  It cannot be left open to atmosphere like it has because it ruins the desiccant that is inside of it.  You will need a new one as was already stated.  The purpose of the accumulator is to collect any liquid refrigerant that comes out of the evaporator and to filter and dry the refrigerant.  An accumulator exposed to atmosphere has had the desiccant exposed to a bunch of moisture and moisture is the enemy of refrigerant systems.

Here is a good site I have found for R12-R134a conversions: http://autoacrepairs.com/134aConversion.htm