70 C3 A/C questions

[Travis Williamson]

[Dick W.]

Re: 70 C3 A/C questions

Personal opinion would be to go with a new Delco compressor. I would also replace the condenser and drier. I have had good sucess converting these systems to R-134-a. Our 72 driver will cool to 42 degrees. I have not used any of the kits that replace the POA and expansion valve with an orfice tube and converts it to a cycling clutch. I do not see why this will not be a working conversion.

[Mark #28455]

Re: 70 C3 A/C questions

I got all the parts for my 1970 @ Zip products. If you have a BB, you're in luck, somebody is finally producing a repro of the AC lines. I don't know if the repro is NCRS correct, but my lines were totally gone and I had to get a local AC shop to custom-make them for me from a photo. As you can guess, it took a lot of cobbling. If the system has been open for any time, you need to thoroughly flush it to get all the grit out. If it's the original parts (hoses, etc) I would replace all the hoses, o-rings, receiver drier and possibly the POA valve etc. All those parts, while functionally equivalent, will likely differ from originals in appearance.

I used a reman compressor - just make sure it has the correct clutch assembly, if memory holds, the clutch is unique to Corvettes and Cadillacs (but Zip and other Corvette suppliers should have the correct ones). I thoroughly flushed the condensor and reused it. I had to replace my evaporator as Bubba had cracked one of the tubes.

While you are there, you may want to replace your heater core as well as I can't imagine the pain that would be once the engine is back in the car!

Good luck,
Mark

[Travis Williamson]

Re: 70 C3 A/C questions

Thanks guys for the info.

I have a small block so with the exception of the POA I think everything is readily available.

thanks

Travis