Serpentine conversion A/C question.

[Fairlane514]

I have a serpentine system off of a 1996 C1500 which has a different A/C compressor than my current 1984. The new A/C lines from the compressor won't fit the old condenser. I looked up the size on a 1996 C1500 condenser and it is bigger than the 1984 condenser.  Its an inch and half taller and about 7 inches longer.  The problem is the joints are smaller on the original condenser and larger on the new style compressor lines.

Has anyone done this swap and figured out what condenser will work?  I looked up the dimensions on a 1996 S10 and its smaller and will probably fit, but the lines are in a different location.

Maybe there are some adaptors for the original condenser?

[rich weyand]

Your 1984 used R12 refrigerant, the 1996 used R134A refrigerant.  I think to change the compressor to the 1996 compressor, you probably have to change the evaporator and condenser and use R134A to get the system to work properly.  Hence the different fittings.

[Fairlane514]

My 84 has been converted to R134.   I am putting a 1996 Vortec motor in the truck along with the serpentine system.  I planned on a new condenser as the one in it now is original and probably full of unwanted stuff. 

The truck is together and running right now and I just want to have everything I need before the swap. I have the 1996 compressor, lines and dryer, just need the condenser.  I really dont want to wait until I get t apart to figure out the condenser, but I may have to, just to see how much room I have in the core support.

Also the size of the 1996 C1500 condenser is H-16.81 and L-33.69. The original condenser is 15.15x25.75.  If the space is there in the core support than all is good.

After a little more research....Advance auto  has one that is 15 9/16ths x 27 1/16ths. A S10 version (1996) is 14.25x25. Of course the fittings need to point straight at the firewall and the 1996 truck points to the fender. The S10 points to the firewall.

[bd]

Now is a good time to sandwich a serpentine condenser in front of the radiator.  I did this a few years ago and couldn't be happier.  I fabricated custom mounts for the condenser and routed steel lines through the core support to mate with the factory hoses.  It's all shock mounted via rubber isolators.  If you're interested in the idea, I can upload some images tonight, since I have the radiator out to re-cam.

[Fairlane514]

Hey bd, that would be great!  I have few ideas, but yours sounds pretty good, plus its proven to work.  Its hot here in Houston, so no A/C is not an option.

[bd]

The universal serpentine core measures 15.25" x 28.5" x 1" and employs standard #6 and #8 tube and o-ring fittings to connect to fabricated steel lines that run through the core support and attach to the original factory hoses.  Since the steel lines have to be fabricated, you can build them with the fitting style of your choice.  The condenser and steel lines attach to the radiator support using rubber vibration mounts.  The configuration is simple and has worked flawlessly for ~12 years.  Dash outlet temp measures 32° - 33° F notwithstanding an ambient temperature of 110° - 112° F.

[bd]

Good luck with your upgrades.