Correct A/C hose crimps?

[Rich C.]

Anyone know if any A/C hose crimp dies/tools resemble the original ones? As opposed to the newer style looking crimps that replacement hoses use. Who made the A/C hoses for earlier C-3 vettes?

[Jack H.]

Re: Correct A/C hose crimps?

I've yet to hear of a source for 100% factory correct original crimped hose fittings...

[Edward J.]

Re: Correct A/C hose crimps?

Anyone know if any A/C hose crimp dies/tools resemble the original ones? As opposed to the newer style looking crimps that replacement hoses use. Who made the A/C hoses for earlier C-3 vettes?

Rich, From what I have seen any hoses that are replacements from GM NOS( maybe some exceptions of really old NOS) or Delco do not have the correct crimps, that goes for power steering, brake, a/c hoses the single crimp went out in favor of the duel crimps for better sealing.

[Mark E.]

Re: Correct A/C hose crimps?

I'm renewing the AC hoses on my '70 LS5 and wanted to learn about the appearance of the original hoses and crimps. There are several threads on this topic (including this one) but I didn't find a clear answer about hose and crimp appearance.

The TIM&JC says "hoses were black rubber with size code designation ink stamped" and "All fittings were crimped with no clamps", but not much else.

Below is a photo of a hose crimp on my car. Does this look original?

Suggestions? I'm leaning towards using the current (and presumably original) pipes/manifold/muffler with new barrier hoses, and find a shop who can duplicate the correct crimp while putting it all together. Now if I can only figure out what the original crimps look like...

Thanks for your help.

AC Hose Fitting.jpg

[Patrick H.]

Re: Correct A/C hose crimps?

Mark,

I believe that part of the issue is that the original style clamping is no longer allowed/legal. As a result, finding someone to do them will be problematic. If your current hoses work well, look well, and you're sticking with R-12 you might not gain anything in redoing them.

[Mark E.]

Re: Correct A/C hose crimps?

Thanks Patrick.

Although it's intact and worked when last parked, the AC system hasn't been used since 1992. Today, the hoses are hard as a rock, and I suspect every seal in the system is dried out. My plan is to flush out the evaporator and condenser, rebuild the compressor, and replace just about everything else (POA, expansion valve, dryer, o-rings, hoses,...).

The condenser and compressor are original, so I thought it would be cool (pun!) to have original-looking hoses and crimps as well. I just don't know what original hoses/crimps looks like. What's on the car now may be original (hence my photo), but I don't know.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Correct A/C hose crimps?

Originals have Julian date codes on them, FYI.
I do not think that yours are original configuration.

[Edward J.]

Re: Correct A/C hose crimps?

Mark to add to Pat's post, I believe that the manifold that bolts to the compressor was of a block configuration. the rounded manifold as yours are a service replacement.

[Mark E.]

Re: Correct A/C hose crimps?

Thanks guys.

For posterity (and me) it would be great if photos of some original AC hose crimps were posted.

[Christopher K.]

Re: Correct A/C hose crimps?

Rich

I never found a local guy able to do the original style crimps in my area. Classic Air in Tampa comes pretty close in my opinion.
Here's a few shots for you Mark.

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: Correct A/C hose crimps?

Thanks guys.

For posterity (and me) it would be great if photos of some original AC hose crimps were posted.

here are 2 more photos for your collection. The first is the hose set off the compressor. The second is the companion hose from the expansion valve.
Jeff

[Mark E.]

Re: Correct A/C hose crimps?

Thanks guys.

Most of these look like a double crimp, except for the fitting on the liquid line that connects to the expansion valve.

Is this representative of most early C3s?

[Terry M.]

Re: Correct A/C hose crimps?

They look like the 1970-72 crimps I have seen on original cars.

[Mark E.]

Re: Correct A/C hose crimps?

Thanks Terry.

Does the manifold/muffler assembly look similar on small blocks and big blocks?

[Terry M.]

Re: Correct A/C hose crimps?

Thanks Terry.

Does the manifold/muffler assembly look similar on small blocks and big blocks?

Define "looks similar." That term is as good as "numbers matching."

They are made of the same material and have the same finish.
The configuration of the manifold block is the same, but the muffler comes off at a different angle for each. I believe the muffler is the same size, but I am not 100% sure of that.