Mark IV, I misspelled it. I know hot rods didn't have A/C but it's damn hot down here, so I'm using it anyway. Anybody know how old this one is? Says John E. Mitchell Co. Dallas, TX Serial # 506250. What vintage compressor would look a little less offensive?
no idea on the age, but sure is cool looking. My sister is looking to get a similar piece for her Galaxie to make the summers more bearable. As for compressors. Yorks are vintage looking, but heavy as hell. Mopars had a v-twin compressor, but even heavier. I don't remember what my '56 Cadillac had for a compressor, but it was factory a/c. Might see what they had.
early to mid 60s is my guess. If you can find an old York aluiminum compressor that would be about right. early ones had lotsa fins, later ones (like the ones you'll find) don't.
Damn, you guys are fast! I'll have to start calling you Rabbit, Squirrel. Thanks for the info, fellas.
i have a york compressor which came off my 59 chevy which had a mark 4 installed in 62. i think i still have the thank you letter sent to the previous owner of the car. the compressor is for sale but i don't know the internal condition of the compressor
V.A. has them for about a grand. I got mine with an evaporator (or whatever part goes with the radiator) for $125. I need the compressor, ac***ulator, and a few hoses I guess, should come out much cheaper. I like cheaper, more money for beer.
should cool a pickup just fine. And these things have an expansion valve in them, not an orifice tube, so they use a receiver-drier, not an ac***ulator. It would probably work fine with 134, but ask around if any of your buddies have a few cans of R12 left over....you never know...a friend gave me a can a couple weeks ago, another friend gave me a case of cans a couple years ago.
i put one in my 34 olds w/350 olds engine,i had to make the compressor brackets,i used a sanyo compressor from kenneys rod shop.picked up a after market condenser with a fan..works great !!it was hot here in august......not in my car.
I have that EXACT evap unit in my 49 Ford COE. Mine had a tag on a hose that indicated it was 1962 vintage. I installed mine with a new Sanden compressor (hey I am severely limited on engine room), had $240 custom hoses made up, using a $5 swap meet condenser, and charged it up with R134a. Works great. Put a trinary switch for safety when you get hoses made. You have to use the right oil for R134a, either POE or PAG. The old R-12 mineral oil will not work. Just flush the evap unit and any parts of the old oil before using them. The expansion valve as Squirrel said is originally set up for R-12, but it works fine with R-134a. The biggest issue is R134a likes a bit lower on the low side, but it works fine. The biggest advice I have is do not use an old R-12 style condenser. R134a needs a higher capacity condenser to work right than the old R-12 systems. If you put insufficient condenser capacity, it will not work as good.
Unclee pointed out the expansion valve. On this receiver-drier, is that built in, or do I need to get one? Where can I hide it if so? I plan to mount the compressor down low and run the hoses along the inside of the framerail. I have a buddy with an A/C service, R12 is no problem. I may use 134 just for future convinience.
Receiver dryer is a round can about 2.5 inches diam and about 9 inches tall. It goes on the high side, hose from compressor to receiver dryer. Usually the receiver dryer is hard mounted right to the condenser, or at least very close to it with hard line. You can run the lines inside the frame rails if you want. Just make sure that you run the condenser in at the top fitting and condenser out at the bottom fitting. I would use R134a as it is easier to get if you ever need to recharge. Plus it is a whole lot cheaper, even if your buddy has some.
Hoses are easy, any NAPA store can make them up for you and supply the fittings too. Be sure and use the shielded hose for R134a and you'll be cold cold cold before you can start shivering.
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