Technical Underdash Heat and A/C

I can't remember where i got the condenser, but i think i just measured and got a universal one from either the truck guys or auto parts. The Sanden is a 508 or 509 model, got it new from a swap meet for $50. The drier came from the truck guys-universal also. They also made up the hoses for me. Suggest you might go online and see what's available on the universal side if you're comfortable in doing that. Car a/c system is not magic, I even tackled the charging by going to an auto parts store, renting a vac. pump and gauges and just doing it. One suggestion--If you do this, you can buy and IR flashlight online for like $10. --super for showing leaks in the system.

 

Thanks, that helps.

 

since this older evaporator had flare fittings did you make your hoses for flare? Or use ORing adapters?
I tried leak down on mine and its leaking at flare adapters.

 

I tried using these at the evaporator but seem to be leaking. I am debating on putting flare ends on the hoses at evaporator.

 

The buses at work run Compressed Natural Gas, 3600 psi, to seal some of the harder to fix leaks, we use a small drop of Hydraulic Fitting sealer like Loctite 545 or similar stuff. The fittings we use are all stainless steel compression type or flare. The sealer works really good for stubborn leaks, it takes just a drop spread around the flare.

 

Good flare fittings can work. Another flare sealer aid is called Nylog.

 

That’s a neat looking unit. Good luck with the flared fittings, if that doesn’t work consider hollowing it out and slipping in a new evaporator unit. This is what I did, $50 eBay evaporator slid right in.

 

one of those black generic jobs? Thought of having new ends brazed on but might be cheaper to put in new aluminum evaporator like this in.

 

There you go.
Yes, cheap black generic unit.

 

Don't mount your drier near a heat source like your exhaust manifolds.
Don't uncap your drier until you are ready to install it in your completed system or the desiccant will absorb moisture from the outside air and be useless.
Mount your drier in an upright position (no more than 30 degrees max)
The drier piping connections are different and must be installed correctly.

I attended the Vintage Air seminar today at the Street Rod Nationals and I think that's what they said.
Lots of other good info too.

 

Saw this under dash A/C in a Mercury Park Lane at the national Edsel show in my town last weekend, thought it was better looking than a lot I've seen. Never seen this one before. Anyone know what it is?

 

Coldmaster 22k btu in my 59 Ranchero is damn chilly here in So Florida

 

Same goes for a new compressor. Uncapping until needed will lead to moisture absorption into the oil which you want to avoid. They come pre-charged with nitrogen.