Pinto Car Club of America

Hey all!   Newbie to the board; long time (22yr) pinto owner.

With gas prices going up and up, looking to get an econobox going.

Well, the car is in pieces, some of which I don't have any more.   Particularly the AC parts; although I do have the evaporator!   I have researched parts and just about everything else is available new: exp valve, hoses can be made up locally.   I can't find a new condenser, although I think if I can find out the dimensions of the factory unit, I cold make up the brackets (mig does wonders!), it just needs to mechanically fit and be large enough for the cooling.

I'm in no rush, as the car is in pieces and probably 6-9 months from driveable.

In the end, if I'm going to daily drive the car in phoenix heat, I NEED AC!

Questions:
1) Has anyone converted an R12 system to R134?   Any issues? Caveats?
2) The original compressor is a York.   Has anyone tried a sanden? Just looking to lighten up the load on the motor.
3) Anyone have a source for a factory air evaporator for a '72?

Thanks!

Tony

Lots of good questions,

I purchased a complete used 72 air conditioning system from Kevin Gillespie (Old Timer on the Pinto scene) & had it rebuilt & modified to r134 by Florida Classic Auto Air several years ago. In the modified system they sent a mounting kit to convert from the york to the sandin compressor. They also made up a new evaporator for the system. The whole shebang cost me $1800.

Unfortunately I cannot answer your question about issues, i have yet to install the system.

I would contact Classic Auto Air in Florida about your needs, they will remember me since I was the ONLY person they have ever dealt with that had a Pinto system re-done.

I wish I had seen this post sooner,,,

Scott,
Thanks for the info....I'll give them a call.
In the meantime, I've also contacted a local AC shop; they pretty much said I would be better off with a sanden.  However, it your source has a bracket, that would save me from having to fab one.

Thanks!

Tony