Hello and C3 A/C drier and hose questions

[Phil D.]

I recently purchased a 69 small block in decent shape except the a/c system was not functioning. In fact, the condensor, drier and underhood hoses were missing. The compressor had a block-off plate and the evaporator side was capped off. I have acquired a complete system from a 72 who's owner is going all custom underhood and sold me his original a/c components.

I know that I should replace the drier. I ordered one from Zip, but it looks nothing like the original. I can use it for testing anyway since I need to assemble the system and basically just see if it all works. Researching, I saw several references here to a rebuilt unit or rebuilding the drier but no links to a source. I have always just replaced the drier with a brand new one whenever I've opened a system, but this is my first Corvette, my first car project where originality matters. Where can I get a rebuilt drier or have the one I've got rebuilt?

Next question, the main compressor hose assembly from the donor car was deteriorated outer sheathing but supposedly was holding pressure before it was removed. Again, I ordered a replacement, but it looks different from the 72 original (and I assume the 69 was the same). All of the online catalogs show a picture that looks exactly like the one I ordered, and not like the original. Any chance of finding one like the original? Zip at least has a liberal return policy.

Phil

[Michael M.]

Re: Hello and C3 A/C drier and hose questions

All the original ones I have seen ( I have one still original, not working), have hose clamps on the ends of the lines. You will be hard pressed to find anyone that uses hose clamps for replacement parts, but it is possible. The choice you will have to make is if you plan on using the A/C at all, going with the newer equipment may be better for safety reasons. You will take a point hit because of it, but it is what it is. To get the A/C system back to original, you will also have to find R-12, its out there, but it is getting pretty rare.

With all that said, you can do it, and find all the parts. Just depends on how much you want to spend.

[William C.]

Re: Hello and C3 A/C drier and hose questions

There is an outfit in Tampa FLA that can rebuild the original dryer with new dessicant and they are essentially undetectable from original. Look in Hemmings under Services for the address and phone.

[Dick W.]

Re: Hello and C3 A/C drier and hose questions

All '69's had crimped hose ends, the clamps were used for repairs.

[D S.]

Re: Hello and C3 A/C drier and hose questions

Since you are in Texas R-12 is fairly easy to find. I get mine at swap meets for $15-$20 in 12-14 ounce cans. I reside in the D-FW area. Come on up for the Lone Star Classic Corvette show on May 16-18 at the Texas Motor Speedway and the NCRS Regional meet in Waco at the convention center on October 23-25. I'll be at both.

[Larry M.]

Re: Hello and C3 A/C drier and hose questions

Phil:

For the original rebuilt drier and the attaching hoses contact one of these two companies: Old Air Products in Fort Worth, Texas at http://www.oldairproducts.com or Classic Auto Air in Richland Hills, Texas and Tampa, Florida at http://www.classicautoair.com

These companies sell rebuilt, original driers IF they have cores available. Otherwise they will rebuild an original that you send them. They are also a source for reproduction (custom) hoses, but I am not certain if the hoses are exactly like the originals. Call them and ask.

I believe another source for original rebuilt driers is Jeff Ashen, who sells them on E-bay under the name of "pacecarjeff". I know for sure that the second generation AC-Delco accumulator/driers for your car are available from multiple sources. They are slightly different than the originals (they have a tapered neck), but are much better than the general service replacements from the other companies. The number you want is AC #15-1240, which is for 1968 thru 1973 Corvettes.

Two other air conditioning sites that you need to check-out are ACDELCO AIR CONDITIONING PARTS CATALOG at http://www.acdelco.com/html/pi_ac_catalog.htm They have information on hoses, fittings, accumulator/driers, o-rings, compressors, etc. etc.

and the AUTOMOTIVE A/C INFORMATION FORUM at http://www.autoacforum.com Go to the section on Air Conditioning Procedures, Tips, and FAQ. There is a wealth of information regarding our old GM air conditioning systems and how to repair them.

Let me know if you have any further questions. Larry

[Phil D.]

Re: Hello and C3 A/C drier and hose questions

Since you are in Texas R-12 is fairly easy to find. I get mine at swap meets for $15-$20 in 12-14 ounce cans. I reside in the D-FW area. Come on up for the Lone Star Classic Corvette show on May 16-18 at the Texas Motor Speedway and the NCRS Regional meet in Waco at the convention center on October 23-25. I'll be at both.

Thanks for the invite and the advice. I'll be at the Lone Star event at least to look, but I don't know yet about entering my car as there are work-related issues that may impinge on that weekend, darn-it. My brother and I went to Waco last fall to look around and spent all day just looking at the dozen or so C3s along the one wall. My brothers 72 is much more original than mine, but again, this fall, I don't think we'll have either car ready for judging by then. We'll for sure tho be taking them to a bunch of local car shows around Fort Worth over the summer - particularly, we like the Christian Classic Cruisers, the third Saturdays in North Richland Hills. Mabe we'll connect at a local show over the summer and you can see them.

[Phil D.]

Re: Hello and C3 A/C drier and hose questions

Phil:

For the original rebuilt drier and the attaching hoses contact one of these two companies: Old Air Products in Fort Worth, Texas at http://www.oldairproducts.com or Classic Auto Air in Richland Hills, Texas and Tampa, Florida at http://www.classicautoair.com

Wow! Thanks for those links. I will definitely call these local companies. I like to spend my money close to home when I can.

[Michael M.]

Re: Hello and C3 A/C drier and hose questions

GREAT links Larry, Thanks!!