65 AC Restoration Question

[Dennis Hendrix (44677)]

I removed the AC system today and stripped the firewall and interior and need to make a list so I can get the parts rolling in.

Before I pulled the car apart I pulled 30" of vacuum and it held so I threw in some R-134 and was never able to get the AC working and it leaked down.

First thing I need to address is the Suction throttling Valve, from what I see in the AIM I have something else. Can anyone tell me what I have and how hard is it to locate the correct one???????

[Dennis Hendrix (44677)]

Re: 65 AC Restoration Question

How do I post a picture? I did it the same way I do on other web sites.

[Dennis Hendrix (44677)]

Re: 65 AC Restoration Question

Never mind.

[Peter Lindahl (6598)]

Re: 65 AC Restoration Question

Dennis - Good job. What you have in the system now replacing the STV is either an aftermarket or a newer Delco variation of a POA.

STVs fall into the "hen's teeth" category; but they come up every once in a while.

If your goal is originality, my suggestion is to keep looking; if it's to operate, basic A/C troubleshooting should allow you to find the problem and then fix.

Good luck, Pete

[Dennis Hendrix (44677)]

Re: 65 AC Restoration Question

Thanks Pete

I have been looking through the AIM comparing my fittings and hoses but it looks like this system went through an upgrade somewhere over the last 43 years. I'm going to stick with making it work vice correct.

[Peter Lindahl (6598)]

Re: 65 AC Restoration Question

Dennis - Sounds like the best plan. Always better in my opinion to have a working AC than a "corrrect" looking non-working one. Good luck and have fun. Pete

[Allan J. Wicklund]

Re: 65 AC Restoration Question

Here is a good general knowledge Web Site" http://www.autoacforum.com
Al W.

[Ray Geiger (9992)]

Re: Echo Peter

Hello;
Nice Picture.
Someone did a professional job of update on the STV to a POA.
Point loss would be minimal if judging is your goal.
Hope that helps.
Ray

[Dennis Hendrix (44677)]

Re: Echo Peter

Thanks Ray

Judging has been in the back of my mind as I move forward with this project. Everything I have done so far has been to NCRS specs or in the spirit of it. Money has a lot of impact on certain hi dollar items while other things will just stay as they are due to time savings.

I say I'm not going to have it judged but in the end I'm sure I will if for no other reason to find out how well I restored this car. I would be happy as a pig in shiet if it pulled a 3rd Flight.

[Joe Randolph (37610)]

Re: 65 AC Restoration Question

I think that what is in the photo is a replacement-style POA valve. The POA valve was introduced in 1967 and would not normally be used to repair a 65. While the original 1967 POA was theoretically an improvement over the STV, it was not designed to be rebuildable and can only be rebuilt by experts who cut it open and then reweld it.

On the other hand, I believe that the 1965 style STV valve can be rebuilt using conventional techniques. That might make the STV more attractive than a POA, especially since 65 Corvettes used an STV valve.

Since your system is now apart it will be harder to determine what was keeping it from working properly. If the system was still assembled, you could have had a competent A/C expert perform a series of diagnostic tests to help isolate the problem.

You can have each of the individual components tested and/or rebuilt at a place like Classic Auto Air in Florida. That may be your best option at this point.

[Dennis Hendrix (44677)]

Re: 65 AC Restoration Question

Joe

I pulled the POA valve today and plan on bench testing it tomorrow at work. Looking inside of it leads me to think its going to be a lost cause due to rust and just plain dirty.

I also have the original dryer and plan on sending it to Classic Auto Air for rebuild but its looking like I might have to send out the compressor, condenser, POA, Dryer and evaporator for overhaul (system is very dirty). Ouch!!!!!!

The fact that this is 65 Factory AC Vert makes it pointless to not have the AC working after all the restoration work (Frame Off) I have done so far.

It only cost 100% more to go first class.

[Joe Randolph (37610)]

Re: 65 AC Restoration Question

Hi Dennis:

If it makes you feel any better, I just finished doing the same thing with my factory air 67 convertible. I had Classic Auto Air rebuild the compressor and drier, and test/clean the POA and expansion valve.

I decided to purchase a new condenser and evaporator instead of having the originals cleaned. The whole thing cost a lot of $$, but I agree with you that if you have factory air, it makes sense to get it working.

By the way, Classic Auto Air may ask you to decide whether you want the STV valve set up for R134 or R12. There are pros and cons for either option. R12 will probably cool better, even with the STV adjusted for R134, since the expansion valve and condenser capacity are optimized for R12. On the other hand, R134 is a lot easier and cheaper to obtain. I ended up using R12, but it is a harder path.