1970 Lemans A/C dead, what to do

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cmoore1953

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The A/C compressor on my 70 Lemans is shot and needs replacing. Question is do I replace with the same type compressor or upgrade to a newer compressor and when doing so do I upgrade to the newer coolant or stay with the old if I can find it? Also, when replacing compressor, what other parts should be replaced? Thanks in advance!
 
The newer refrigerant R134A used to call for nylon barrier hoses and upgraded o-rings.

When replacing the compressor try to find a direct bolt on New Compressor Not a rebuilt one, make sure if it has oil in it that the oil is compatible with R134A.

Normally I recommend replacing the dryer, expansion valve or orifice tube depending on what your car has. I would also recommend flushing the evaporator and condenser.

Your A/C hoses could be sent out to a shop to be rebuilt with the nylon barrier type hose.

You will need a retrofit kit that comes with the service port adapters, caps and o-rings plus the needed oil.

Locally we have a company called Cold Air that would be nearly a one stop shopping for your car except for the hoses most likely. Check you phone book for local Automotive A/C supply house for all the parts you need.

You could buy them online but its best to deal with knowledgeable local parts houses to get the right parts the first time.

Since your compressor went bad small pieces of it could float around the system even after a good flush so you may need a inline replaceable filter if you do not replace the evaporator and condenser at the same time. this inline filter may have to be changed shortly after the installation. if you run the rebuilt system without a filter you stand a chance of wrecking the new compressor.
 
Good info to help me get started with. Thanks!!!
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Replaced factory A/C with updated system'

Once we identified that the old compressor was shot, we initially intended to replace the compressor, dryer, condenser and muffler along with the hoses and a poa valve. Upon removing all of the under the hood pieces, we took a look at the controls and lines under the dash, since the dash was off for replacing gauges and radio. Upon seeing all of the vacuum lines that attached to the control we decide to replace the interior components too. So, basically I now have a completely new a/c system that works great. Spent more than I wanted to but keeping "mama" cool in the summer in the deep south is important!
 
glad to hear you got everything working, good luck with the car
 
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