'78 A/C Compressor and Alternator -- Rebuild?

[Greg Anderson]

I have a '78 Silver Anniversary that I enjoy driving and slowly putting back in "proper" shape. My goal someday is to have it judged, but I know it's not there yet. The original R4 comp needed work and I had a new clutch installed when the a/c was recharged last year. Of course, the seals started leaking and I would have been better off having the comp re-done to start with, but have been living with a slight oil spray for a year.

I'm getting ready to have this fixed and would like some thoughts on having this comp rebuilt, or finding a "correct date" R4 to replace it. Any ideas on where to look or which to pursue? Can I buy a replacement label for the comp that will have the proper model # and build date?

I'm also thinking about replacing the alternator with a "correct one". The current alternator is marked "1102860 63A 9A16-12VNEG." According to the Tech Manual, this is not the correct part number, although with a/c, defog and a 1/11/78 build date, the 63 amp alternator is correct. Any suggestions on where to look for a "correct" alternator? Also, would appreciate help with the alternator build date codes...is this the 9A16?

Appreciate your help and guidance...Greg #30666

[Bill Clupper]

Re: '78 A/C Compressor and Alternator -- Rebuild?

I'd try John Pirkle for the Alternator, If he doesn't hav it, you'll probably be looking at Corvette Carlisle. The R-4 compressors are another story. A friend of mine had one reboilt by the Folks in Texas, Old Aire Products. They send them out to somone local there-supposedly been doing them for 20 years. My friend is very happy with his now htat the air blows cold. The phone number is 818-531-2665

[Bill Clupper]

Re: '78 A/C Compressor and Alternator -- Rebuild?

I'd try John Pirkle for the Alternator, If he doesn't hav it, you'll probably be looking at Corvette Carlisle. The R-4 compressors are another story. A friend of mine had one reboilt by the Folks in Texas, Old Aire Products. They send them out to somone local there-supposedly been doing them for 20 years. My friend is very happy with his now htat the air blows cold. The phone number is 818-531-2665

[Kenneth G.]

Re: '78 A/C Compressor and Alternator -- Rebuild?

Greg,

When I was restoring my 69 350 w/ac I decided to replace the label on the compressor. All the catalogues have these labels so I figured they were all the same(from the same source like a lot of the catalogue parts). So I ordered the a/c label from Dr Rebuild for about 4 bucks or so. Got it and it looked to be a poor reproduction!! I was still going to use it , but I was flipping through the Paragon catalogue and noticed THEIR a/c decal said "new and improved by popular demand", so I decide to spend another 6 bucks and ordered theirs. Boy! what a difference!I would recommend you order one from Paragon.

Kenny 69 350/350 conv w/a.c.

P.s. does anyone know if the a.c. compressors stamped date code is judged? It seems the JM only mentions the labels date code.

[Kenneth G.]

Re: '78 A/C Compressor and Alternator -- Rebuild?

Greg,

When I was restoring my 69 350 w/ac I decided to replace the label on the compressor. All the catalogues have these labels so I figured they were all the same(from the same source like a lot of the catalogue parts). So I ordered the a/c label from Dr Rebuild for about 4 bucks or so. Got it and it looked to be a poor reproduction!! I was still going to use it , but I was flipping through the Paragon catalogue and noticed THEIR a/c decal said "new and improved by popular demand", so I decide to spend another 6 bucks and ordered theirs. Boy! what a difference!I would recommend you order one from Paragon.

Kenny 69 350/350 conv w/a.c.

P.s. does anyone know if the a.c. compressors stamped date code is judged? It seems the JM only mentions the labels date code.

[Greg Anderson]

Re: '78 A/C Compressor and Alternator -- Rebuild?

Thanks, Bill. I'll follow-up with Old Aire Products on the compressor. I have exchanged e-mail with Don Briggs who advertises in the Driveline and he has an alternator that is dated Sept. 12, '77 which puts it 4 months earlier than my Jan. 11,'78 build date. Is this acceptable for judging? Is the $145 price reasonable? I still need to contact John Pirkle and check with him.

Thanks for your help. Greg.

[Greg Anderson]

Re: '78 A/C Compressor and Alternator -- Rebuild?

Thanks, Bill. I'll follow-up with Old Aire Products on the compressor. I have exchanged e-mail with Don Briggs who advertises in the Driveline and he has an alternator that is dated Sept. 12, '77 which puts it 4 months earlier than my Jan. 11,'78 build date. Is this acceptable for judging? Is the $145 price reasonable? I still need to contact John Pirkle and check with him.

Thanks for your help. Greg.