I've decided it is time to undertake the last semi-major task in the refresh-toration of my '72T coupe - reinstalling and upgrading the factory air conditioning. I put this on the back burner last year when I got the car assembled after the paintwork, as I had other things going on that seemed more important. But I had to skip a PCA drive over the weekend due to record-breaking heat here in Western Oregon, with highs around 110°F. So it is time to get back to this.
My goal is decently functioning A/C, but without getting too worked up about strict original appearance. I'm not expecting miracles, so ice-cold modern car A/C in all ambient temperatures is not required. I've done this before. After updating and slightly enhancing the A/C in my prior '84 Carrera it worked quite well, even in the 110-115°F heat of the Central Valley of California. I should be able to get similar results in my '72, maybe even a touch better due to the '72 car's greater vent area.
My car's A/C came with the car—mostly in boxes. The front condenser fan was sitting loosely in place, and the under dash vent plenum was still mounted, but all else was in boxes and bags. So the first step was to verify what I have and assess its condition. This is not as tough as it sounds. Here is a list of the main parts:
- Compressor and mounting parts
- Deck lid condenser
- Front condenser, fan and mounting parts
- Receiver/dryer
- Evaporator box with expansion valve and blower fan
- Under dash vent plenum with fan and temp controls
- Hoses (5 pieces)
After going through the boxes, I had all the main parts except the compressor and most of the compressor mounting brackets. The lack of compressor was no issue, as the old York piston type compressors are crude, inefficient (by today's standard) and power-robbing. So that was already on my replacement list. I did need the brackets, however.
Most of the rest of the parts will also be replaced and upgraded, other than the deck lid condenser. I will re-use that part, as new ones are not functionally better. But the front condenser, receiver/dryer, evaporator w/expansion valve, thermostatic temp control and all hoses will be replaced. Both blower fans test fine, run at proper speed and are quiet. So I could reuse both of them. But they are still 50 years old, and in the case of the evaporator fan, if it needs replaced later I'd need to de-pressurize the system to get to it. So while I will reuse the original fan motor for the front condenser, I will replace the main fan motor with a modern upgraded unit.