Pinto Car Club of America

Hi all:

  In mid restoration, I am looking at a torn down dash and a well used in-dash dealer A/C unit which has seen better days. Given that I live in Texas, I really NEED A/C - given that the dash is torn apart, now is the time to really make a choice on what course to follow:

1) Restore - how does one go about restoring a compressor and evaporator that are 30+ years old (my wagon is a '76)? Is there a way to get this done/place to send these parts to?

2) Renew - there are several new in-dash systems out there (most notably Vintage Air) that sell full systems. Is this the better choice? I mean, my old system is R12. I know this would be a bigger chunk of money but AGAIN, we NEED A/C here....

Has anyone here done their own aftermarket in or underdash A/C setup? If so, would sure like you to share your experience.

Thanks!

Chris

You might try Classic Auto Air in Tampa, Florida - http://www.classicautoair.com/ - They can rebuild the components of your system. Ther phone techs are very helpful.

And I don't know if you've ever driven your Pinto with the A/C on, but in my '72 2.0L 4-speed, it is a total DOG - I have to almost keep it floored to maintain 70 MPH on the highway, and it got 18MPG at that speed, and I normally get 22MPG - but at least I was comfortable.  The stock York compressor takes 8-10 horsepower to run. I have been told that a modern Sanden rotary compressor should take about 1/3 the horsepower to run, and it is more compact and lighter in weight. There is an eBay seller right now who advertises one with a special bracket - I cannot vouch for the product, but it may be an option -

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/63-64-65-66-67-68-FORD-C-COMPRESSOR-CONVERSION-/180291563538?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Model%3APinto&hash=item29fa36f01

Note - I had a a huge vacuum leak I fixed a few days after posting this - and along with it's first valve adjustment since its valve job 2000 miles ago, the car runs just fine at 75MPH with the air on MAX.  But the Sanden compressor would still be a great alternative to the heavy York.

That site looks promising.. I might have to go there when I am going to try to add a/c to my Pinto.

The evap core sits in the car, so that should be in sound shape. The condenser at the front of the car gets a beating and this can be replaced with a new (modern parallel flow) after market unit, comes in various sizes from a/c parts shops with mounting brackets (buy in winter for lowest price as with all a/c parts). You will need a new tx valve for the evap core, a new compressor and refrigerant lines. Then you will be good to go on r134a.