1971 Gran Fury A/C

[Jonny89]

Hey guys, I had checked out the ac compressor on the Gran Fury last weekend, all original hoses are in good shape.

Can you buy Freon for these old AC units in car's pre 1970's, if so where? If not is there an alternative, I would like to use the original system if possible.

Thanks

Jon

 

[commando1]

You can find R12 that was originally used but it's awfully expensive. So expensive I wouldn't risk dumping it into an old system that could crack a hose or seal any day now.

 

[Dale Michaels]

I agree,you can retrofit your A/C system to take the 134a A new compressor,expansion valve if it has one and new hoses,flush out the sustem/condensor and check for leaks,people claimed it wasen't as cold as the R12 but that's BS,R12 is very expensive and hard to get,you can still get it but there's a ton of it from Mexico and it's dirty and I wouldn't touch it,I converted my 78 chevy truck and it will freeze your *** off,,just use somebody that knows what their doing and you will be fine/freeze.

 

[Jonny89]

That answers my questions, thanks.

 

[1978 NYB]

I just retrofitted my 1978 NYB. New hoses fabricated, new H-Block, receiver drier, condenser. I charged it with R134A and I'm getting 40 degrees at the center vent.

 

[Jonny89]

Interesting, I did look up R12 on ebay, it is quite expensive. If i opted to convert to 134a can I keep the same set up or will it alter the look?

Jon

 

[1978 NYB]

Interesting, I did look up R12 on ebay, it is quite expensive. If i opted to convert to 134a can I keep the same set up or will it alter the look?

Jon

No, you keep everything like it is. You'll have to change the receiver drier for sure. I would replace all the O-rings (because they are 40 years old) and the metal gaskets on both sides of the hoses that bolt to the compressor. I also would replace the H-Block (which is pretty cheap - $15 IIRC). I had my hoses rebuilt in a hydraulic shop in Delaware ($200). I had to replace my condenser because it was cracked. I found a new repop in California. I flushed the system and used ester oil. I used 35 ounces of R134A which is 80% of the R12 capacity. And I get 40 degrees at the center vent.

 

[Jonny89]

This will sound plenty amature, forgive me I am still learning. Where is the receiver drier? I am guessing the compressor is the large thing sitting to the right side of the alternator? Do you know anybody that sells NOS, OEM, or exact reproduction hoses for the A/C System, Im trying to get as close to factory spec as possible. Also would it be a bad idea to turn on the A/C unit next time I fire up the car, or should I check the system before hand?

Thanks

Jon

 

[commando1]

I am guessing the compressor is the large thing sitting to the right side of the alternator?
Jon

Jon, at this point, and PLEASE don't be offended, you will be best served just bringing the car to an A/C specialist.

 

[1978 NYB]

OEM hoses are very hard to find. Having them redone at a hydraulic shop is the economical way to go. The receiver dryer will be near the condenser....it looks like a filter with a steel line going in and another going out.

You will also need tools....vacuum pump to vac the system down to check for leaks after you repair/replace items. A set of gauges to properly charge the system with Freon.

Messing with Freon can be dangerous and expensive if you are novice and haven't messed with this stuff before. I would buddy up with an experienced A/C friend before attempting to work on your A/C system.

#1 Rule.....

Buy a FSM. They are available all over EBay at reasonable prices.

 

[commando1]

#1 Rule.....

Buy a FSM. They are available all over EBay at reasonable prices.

We can't say this enough around here.

 

[polara71]

We can't say this enough around here.

I have them and almost NEVER use them. Easier to ask a question and get a real life answer than getting it out of the book, engineers wrote the manual, they usually dont have the experience

 

[1978 NYB]

I have them and almost NEVER use them.

Really?

 

[70bigblockdodge]

I agree with Bob a friend with experience is helpful but learning how to do something and having it forever is great. The right way to convert is have hoses done with the new barrier stuff, if a shop does not understand this RUN away from there. I reused my old hoses on my Challenger and a repaired condenser thinking ahh it will be good for this year that was 3 summers ago well see if it gave up this spring? I did flush everything and new O-rings, oil, and txv. I also sweated my receiver/drier apart and put new dessicant and filters and rebrazed but it was to get the oem look.

 

[Big_John]

I have them and almost NEVER use them. Easier to ask a question and get a real life answer than getting it out of the book, engineers wrote the manual, they usually dont have the experience

You can say that again... I mean why would I take the time to look something up myself and actually learn something when teh intrawebs is full of suckers that have already done my research and hard work for me?

 

[1978 NYB]

I used Benz Hydraulics in Delaware. Expert work and they had my hoses done in less than 24 hours. I'm sure you can Fedex/UPS your hoses to them. They reused my old ends....I'm very satisfied with their work.

http://www.benzhydraulics.com/

 

[commando1]

Sorry. I must be special. I need the FSM and the Parts Book and they have saved me from waiting to have a lot of questions asked, some incorrectly. You USE the books and then ask the questions where the books come up short.
No. Wait. Use the books, Google, and then ask questions.
Give a man a fish and...

 

[polara71]

Yeah, you keep saying that but many times the answer isnt in there....... Sometimes there is an easier way... and other times it just doesnt work that way

 

[1978 NYB]

I'm with Stan...

I find more answers in the FSM and Parts Book.

The answers on the internet aren't always correct.

 

[70bigblockdodge]

I'm 50/50 sometimes I just make it up as I go othertimes reading is the only way