66 AC, STV Valve or POA Valve

[Gino R.]

Hi all, I am working on restoring the AC on my 66 Big Block Coupe. Unfortunately a lot of the parts are missing. My question is did any of the 1966 Corvettes come with the POA valve instead of the Suction Throttle Valve? If so how would I tell the difference? Are there different mounting points on the the evaporator box in the engine compartment? I have an STV valve that I picked up years ago for this project but now I want to make sure that it is correct before I install in on the for car. Thank you in advance for any help on this.
Gino

[Gary J.]

[Gino R.]

Re: 66 AC, STV Valve or POA Valve

Hi Gary, Thank you for responding to my question. I appreciate it. I think I will proceed with the STV valve. I am having a little trouble figuring out all the different parts that are involved. I am starting to get a handle on it but it has been a bit of a challenge so far. What would you recommend as somegood resources for completing the project? I am also attaching a photo of a bracket that is on the evaporator box, I can't seem to figure out what it is for? Thanks again

[Harry S.]

Re: 66 AC, STV Valve or POA Valve

This is from a 63. I believe the bracket changed by 66. Anyway, it's to support the STV.

Your 66 had an STV, POA exclusive to 67.....

Section 17.3-4.jpg

[Gino R.]

Re: 66 AC, STV Valve or POA Valve

Thank you I appreciate it!!

[Gary J.]

[Gino R.]

Re: 66 AC, STV Valve or POA Valve

Hi Gary,
Thanks for all the information!
I do not have the original dryer or condenser, should I try to source original parts and have them rebuilt?
My compressor is not original to the car (looks like it is a 1969)
I did order the bracket for the STV valve and a rebuild kit. Zip sells a NOS diaphragm and piston.
I rebuilt the evaporator box and put a new evaporator in years ago when I restored the car. I never used it yet.(hopefully it is still good?)
I attached a couple of pics of the expansion valve. It doesn't look like the sensor is long enough. Is it the correct expansion valve? Can it be rebuilt?
I also attached a pic of the the heater control valve. I tested it and it seems to work.
I did contact Domenic this morning, he seems to be a wealth of information. Thanks for the number.
I am starting to have some idea of a direction (maybe)?
I appreciate the help!!

[Harry S.]

Re: 66 AC, STV Valve or POA Valve

Gino, today is a good day to call. I'll be away for two weeks.

Harry

[Mike B.]

Re: 66 AC, STV Valve or POA Valve

Good Afternoon Gino,

Moving this one back to the top. Don't know if you've found all of your answers yet but your story sure sounds familiar to mine. And I see that your '66 is also an AC L36.

Here are some file photos I took from a November '65 built car's evaporator blower assembly a while back when it was out of the car. Tough to get these shots when the unit is installed in the car. This one's blower motor housing is dated August 1965 and the expansion valve is dated October 1965.

Hope these photos help you and others out there in AC land.
Mike
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[Mike B.]

Re: 66 AC, STV Valve or POA Valve

Four more photos. Mike

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[Gino R.]

Re: 66 AC, STV Valve or POA Valve

Thank you for the pictures It is appreciated! It is not that easy to see anything when it is all installed. Not to mention you don't run into a factory air car very often at cars and coffee.
I did dig up some compressor mufflers that I collected years ago but it does not look like I have the right one for my car. One of them looks kind of like a 63 muffler?? The other I am not sure what it is out of? I will attach a couple photos as well maybe you guys know what they are.

I will send some pictures once I mock up the STV Valve on my car. I just finally got my heater core back in the car. That was quite a tough job. I wouldn't wish that on anyone.

[Mike B.]

Re: 66 AC, STV Valve or POA Valve

Gino,

I'm not sure what year/application those mufflers come from. When I get back on my laptop later on this evening I'll post photos of what was on my L36 from the factory. What is the build date and version of your '66? From your previous photos it looks like a factory L36? Please let us know. This makes a difference when selecting a proper compressor muffler.

Mike

[Gino R.]

Re: 66 AC, STV Valve or POA Valve

Hi Mike,
Thanks for your help! The build date is Feb 10th 1966 (as far as I have calculated) Yes it is an L-36 with Factory AC.
Gino

[Mike B.]

Re: 66 AC, STV Valve or POA Valve

Good Evening Gino,

I've done a fair share of research on '66 L36 compressor mufflers but I must confess that I've been concentrating mainly on the earlier months of production. Not sure if during the later months of '66 production the muffler fittings may have been relocated? Maybe other L36 owners will report what they have? '66 AIM UPC C60 Sheet D7 lists only two different mufflers where the L36 version is shown as part #3885128.

Here are photos of three very original earlier L36 mufflers. They are all the same. The first one is from a very early L36 with unknown build date. Probably September or October. I'm assuming this because the compressor casting date is mid August '65. The second one is off of my L36 with a build date of December 1st. And the third is my buddy's December 7th built L36.

I'm including a clearer version of the '66 AIM drawing showing L36 Freon and heater hose routing. You can see why the L36 muffler has it's condenser hose tube with an outward bend which properly aims the hose towards the single skirt clamp midway to the condenser.

Good luck with your search for this muffler. Sooner or later you'll find a real one.
Mike

Very early L36 Compressor Muffler. August casting date.jpgDecember 1st Built L36 Compressor Muffler (2).jpgDecember 7th Built L36 Compressor Muffler.jpg1966 L36 AC Hose Routing (edited) (75).jpg

[Gino R.]

Re: 66 AC, STV Valve or POA Valve

Thanks for pictures, they are very helpful.
Do you know what month is the cut off that they considered early 66 or late 66