1976 Air Conditioning

[Gunny]

Getting my '76 Corvette ready to go after 25 years in storage. Air conditioning is not working. What steps do you recommed to diagnose and fix? Thanks!

[62 LeMans]

Gunny

I'm no A/C expert but I share with you what I know.

Just a couple of questions, in getting the car ready to go did you open the system. What is the condition of the hoses,cracks etc. What is the condition of the A/C clutch and clearances. If the system has already been opened I would probably go ahead and replace all the hoses along with the evaporator and dryer. Also lets not forget that R-12 is no longer available so the seals and orings in the entire system will need to be replaced. I have heard of people using the original type seals and using R-134 freon but I have never tried it my self.

Once the items needed have been replaced I would then pull a vaccum on the system to check for leaks and then have the system recharged.

If the system has never been opened it may be possible to have it recharged. I'm not sure where they would get the freon though. I only have one small can to remind me how easy it used to be before the recovery systems era exploded. Maybe C4C5 could shed more light on this subject.

In my restorations I normally install all the parts and take the car to be recharged.

Hope this helps

Regards
Ken

[Gunny]

62 LeMans, Thanks. I have not opened the system. The hoses appear to be okay. Is there a test you can do to determine if there is any freon left in the system?

[LLC5]

Originally Posted by Gunny

62 LeMans, Thanks. I have not opened the system. The hoses appear to be okay. Is there a test you can do to determine if there is any freon left in the system?

To check it correctly, put a set of a/c gauges on the ports and check pressures. This is not recommended but can be done: remove one of the port caps with the engine off and push down on the schrader valve with a small screw driver just a little bit and see if any freon comes out. Be VERY careful doing this, keeping your eyes and hands away from the freon as it will destroy what ever it touches instantly. If there is no freon in the system, your best course of action would be to take the vehicle to an approved a/c service center for diagnosis. Good luck with it.

[Gunny]

Thanks very much for your help