'65 Vette: AC Condenser Recommendation(s)

[James W.]

[Mike B.]

Re: '65 Vette: AC Condenser Recommendation(s)

Ray, interesting post you've got going on here! Lots of good info changing hands.

Don, thanks for posting this shot of the repro '64-'65 Classic Auto Air condenser. It's not often that I'm impressed with repro anything. This unit looks real close if not spot on! I'm going to check their website to see what their '66 condensers look like. The ones I've seen on other sites have been off a bit.

James, I'm gonna need to check out a few more condenser tubes of known unrestored '66 AC cars. It seems that most that I've checked in the past have actually had work done to those areas. Looking closer at my file photos of my original tubes I've spotted a few gouges and dings that have paint over them. My tubes may have been painted after the factory after all. Thanks, Mike

[Ray K.]

Re: '65 Vette: AC Condenser Recommendation(s)

Mike,
Classic Auto Air offers both the 64-65 and 66-67 AC condensers. Looking at the website the tubes look specific to the model year applications. Not sure how close the tubes are dimensionally to the original bends though.

Don,
How "dimensionally" close were the tubes to your Classic Auto Air replacement condenser?

Ray

[Don H.]

Re: '65 Vette: AC Condenser Recommendation(s)

Ray,
I am not sure exactly what you are asking. It bolted up to the connections on the car after removing what I assume was the original condenser.
Don H.

[Mike B.]

Re: '65 Vette: AC Condenser Recommendation(s)

Ray,

I spent some time on Classic Auto Air's website last night and I found the listing and photo of their '65 condenser that Don posted the photo of. I'm sure you have too. I scoured all angles of their site and I was unable to find any condensers for '66 or '67.

If any of you guys out there know where a nice reproduction of a small block '66 condenser can be found please let me know. Long Island Corvette used to sell the correct repro but as always, I missed that bus. They've discontinued that unit from their catalog.

Mike

[James G.]

Re: '65 Vette: AC Condenser Recommendation(s)

These guys have cared for may AC cars for years. Maybe they can help.

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[Mike B.]

Re: '65 Vette: AC Condenser Recommendation(s)

James,

Just called Vintage Air. Only "Sure Fit" aftermarket components available. No OEM or repro OEM there.

Thanks,
Mike

[John M.]

Re: '65 Vette: AC Condenser Recommendation(s)

Mike, try Old Air Products.See what you think of what they make and let us know your thoughts.

[Mike B.]

Re: '65 Vette: AC Condenser Recommendation(s)

Thanks John,

I was just on Old Air Products and found they have the most user friendly site so far. At least for me. I saw their OEM '65 condenser there and it looks the same as the one Don previously posted. Ray, this site is good and their photos are a little more detailed.

The '66-'67 condenser they show looks correct for all '67 AC cars and later '66 427 cars. This condenser is wider than the one used on small block '66 cars and earlier '66 427 AC cars.

So, I'm still looking for a '66 small block condenser. Check out my earlier condenser threads. I've posted several photos of my original that needs replacing. The '66 small block condenser's width, tubing, and side brackets are unique to any other C2 Corvette.

Mike

[James W.]

Re: '65 Vette: AC Condenser Recommendation(s)

Do any of these auto air conditioning companies offer rebuild services for original a/c dryers?

Thanks,

James

[John M.]

Re: '65 Vette: AC Condenser Recommendation(s)

James,Old Air rebuilt my dryer. They cut it apart, changed the desiccant and reweld. I suggest you call them at 817 531 2665, I always talk to Clint at extension 102. He has been around a long time and is well versed on what you need.

[Mike B.]

Re: '65 Vette: AC Condenser Recommendation(s)

James,

I still haven't had my '66 original dryer restored yet. This subject has come up before on the NCRS TDB. Guys mentioned "pacecarjeff" on FleaBay. I've purchased other items from him before and he also has a name in restoration of dryer canisters. I just searched his site there for "dryers" and got 14 related hits. I'm leaning on using him for my canister's resto. But I'm still gonnna ask around.

There must be some NCRS member who has experience in restoring these canisters? Anybody know who that guy is? Some testimonials would be great. Mike

[Larry M.]

Re: '65 Vette: AC Condenser Recommendation(s)

James,

I still haven't had my '66 original dryer restored yet. This subject has come up before on the NCRS TDB. Guys mentioned "pacecarjeff" on FleaBay. I've purchased other items from him before and he also has a name in restoration of dryer canisters. I just searched his site there for "dryers" and got 14 related hits. I'm leaning on using him for my canister's resto. But I'm still gonnna ask around.

There must be some NCRS member who has experience in restoring these canisters? Anybody know who that guy is? Some testimonials would be great. Mike

I have been around the AC area for some time, and I know only 3 sources:

Old Air Products
Classic Auto Air
PaceCarJeff.

And Jeff himself may have used Classic Auto Air. He did at one time, and then talked about doing it himself. If you buy from him, you will get a similar unit, and probably not your own unit back. You stand a better chance for getting your own back from the other two guys. But quite honestly, it does not make a difference in the final outcome..........they are almost all alike.

Larry

[John M.]

Re: '65 Vette: AC Condenser Recommendation(s)

I recently had Old Air Products rebuild my dryer. Very satisfied with the product and did get my old one back.I think the replacement dryer everyone sells is different than the original, notice the work "think" as I am not sure.

[James W.]

Re: '65 Vette: AC Condenser Recommendation(s)

Thanks for te replies regarding the dryer rebuild. I'll ask for Clint. Now back to Jay's post for condenser repair/replacement.

James