A/C Hose Assembly 72sb

[Norm C.]

The A/C Hose Assembly for a 72 sb is discontinued, but hoping someone out there knows which vendors would possibly have one or even if they would have the muffler assembly. Out on the West coast there are some shops who specialize in Corvette A/C and occasionally have one or both, so was hoping possibly there would be other type shops to try.... of course would rather have NOS, but willing to settle for a working OEM used. Thanks in advance for any & all help!!

[Patrick H.]

Re: A/C Hose Assembly 72sb

Norm,

I've only seen two (2) used ones for sale in the last 14 years. One seller wanted far more than I wanted to pay, and one at Bloomington yelled me out of his spot for touching the hose. I suspect he wanted it more than I did.

If you have your original, consider having it repaired. The rectangular block that attaches to the compressor is not reproduced accurately but almost any hose or connection can be fixed or replaced by a competent AC shop.

New serviceable hoses are also available.

Patrick

[Norm C.]

Re: A/C Hose Assembly 72sb

Thanks again Patrick..... what a bummer,,,, such a "unique" construction method...... and out of production.... obviously why it hasn't been reproduced.... expensive and I imagine this style wasn't used for too many years.............Norm

[Jack H.]

Re: A/C Hose Assembly 72sb

As Pat said, the factory original A/C manifold has long been GM discontinued and what's offered as replacement is the later era 'binocular' style manifold that's easy to visually detect. GM DID offer replacement manifold blocks via service that are essentially the same as factory originals BUT they had bare inlet/outlet nipples and required the original manifold's hoses to be cut at the crimped retainers and the hoses attached to the replacement manifold using conventional refrigeration grade hose clamps.

That's about as close to factory original as I've seen, but you still wind up with a detectable deviation in lieu of finding a correct/original manifold assy, used, from a scrap yard car!

[Terry M.]