1970 LS5 Air Conditioner hose questions

[Norris W.]

I'm working on a '70 LS5 that I've had for over 30 years and trying to put A/C back to function. When I bought the car the box was on the cowl but most everything else was gone including the rear bracket on the engine for the compressor. Back then I bought an evaporator, new GM (and heater core) and installed them while the engine was out. I also bought a new hose assembly (to back of compressor) GM part #3998438 from the local dealer at the time. Now that I'm trying to put all this together I discover that the hose they sold me seems to be a part number for a small block. Obviously I'd rather use it than a repro if it's close to the same, but I can't seem to find what the difference is between the BB and SB hoses. I'm told the BB repros available aren't fully assembled and must be "marked and taken to be crimped". So the questions are, can the hose be used as is OR can it be cut and re crimped by a competent A/C shop or do I just need to buy the repro hose and go with it?

[Mark E.]

Re: 1970 LS5 Air Conditioner hose questions

Norris,

Unfortunately, SB and BB manifolds are different. The muffler is not oriented in the same way and there may be other differences also.

The good news is the assembly you bought from Chevy 30 years ago probably has significant resale value.

[Norris W.]

Re: 1970 LS5 Air Conditioner hose questions

Thank you. I went ahead and ordered a repro BB hose today to see what it is. My NOW FAVORITE vendor said look at it and if you think your old one can be made to work just send it back.