Keeping kool

[claudio]

Hello
My 69 firebird is a non a/c car
So while engine is out I will add a/c...
Which is better .....
Factory air {retro to 134a}
After market a/c kit
Have found parts cars with factory air...
What do I need to do to my firewall....??

Aftermarket a/c works with any set up but is expensive ....
And need to remove all heater stuff to install.....

Either way I have nothing in way for now.....
Thanks

 

[melsg5]

Depends on what you mean which is better, if you can install the factory system go ahead. Once you remove the air box from the engine compartment in the parts car you will see what has to be done to the firewall. Make a carboard template of the hole in the parts car and tape it to the firewall of your car and start cutting around the cardboard.

 

[claudio]

A/c system not in car buying from Craig's list just missing brackets and small cover for evap( engine side )........
Factory air better way to go...??
What should be replaced before install...?
Thank you for all your help

 

[melsg5]

for your ac questions this is the company to contact
http://www.classicautoair.com/

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[claudio]

I know them....they are an aftermarket a/c company
There system is like $1200,00
Factory air is like $200,00 for used system...plus few dollars for mods on car
But its factory air( retro to 134a ) maybe few dollars more if I replace every thing
Keep factory look.....
Just wanted to know which is better...??? Right now I have a heat only car and want to add a/c........

 

[92 Sunbird LE]

Any Pontiac with a Pontiac motor from late 60's to 1976 should have most of the stuff you need ( compressor , brackets, pulleys, etc )

The evaporater , hoses and condenser and box and under dash stuff would have to be Camaro or Firebird only.

The hoses and compressor will have to be 134a compatible so not to leak, ( molucules of 134a are smaller) and the hoses and evaporater are larger in diameter and hoses have special liners inside.

But again some people claim they just add Ester oil in the old R12 systems and put in 134a and its fine.( never tried it myself)

I did my 90 Silverado 134a conversion and its been 9 years running fine with the newer 134a hoses, orings and compressor. Still using the stock R12 evaporater though...........

Might try the Ester oil trick on the Sunbird this spring to see if it works or not.

Doug in P.R.

 

[claudio]

What way is better....??
Gathering all parts for factory air...... Or buying aftermarket kit.....?
Remember my car is factory NON air...
I just want to know which way is better....

 

[92 Sunbird LE]

1) If it was me ? Aftermarket == hassle free and peace of mind!

2) Restore ? Go through the trouble of finding date coded stuff ( which could take years.)

3) Factory looking under the hood? A combo of both with a new GM compressor.

You could paint the compressor black ( aftermarket Saden ) and throw a Frigadaire sticker on it on for # 1 option so its not so obvious its aftermarket.

Doug in P.R.

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[melsg5]

restoration link

I know them....they are an aftermarket a/c company
There system is like $1200,00
Factory air is like $200,00 for used system...plus few dollars for mods on car
But its factory air( retro to 134a ) maybe few dollars more if I replace every thing
Keep factory look.....
Just wanted to know which is better...??? Right now I have a heat only car and want to add a/c........

Sorry wanted you to look at the restoration link. Cetain parts, dryer bottle for example should be restored before switching to R134. The pressure control valve POA should also be reset for R134.
http://www.classicautoair.com/restoration-services.html

 

[claudio]

Thank you all......
Will be going with under dash kit... Not sure wich one yet as there are a few company's that make them...
Also my engine compartment will be neater n cleaner......