When it comes to getting a new A/C compressor, do you change over?

[57NAPCO]

I'm getting ready to address the A/C system in my truck (1976 GMC 1 ton dually) The question to yall, the systen was open when I got the truck so I am thinking.....do I replace everything? including the evaporator and condenser? I would like to use an original style A6 Harrison compressor. I have heard good things about these http://www.oldairproducts.com/catalo...ducts_id=12351. So tell me what yall have done and are you happy or do you wish you would have done more or done different. Thanks!

getting closer

[old Rusty C10]

if the system was open id go through it real good and replace all the O ringsand evaporator . I would have a radiator shop check the condensor and make sure its good, if i doubt id replace that too

[primrrd]

definately replace the drier and the orifice tube.
I switched over to r134 when replacing the compressor.
(i dont recommend 4 seasons rebuilts, btw...)
I used a special orifice for r134, and a new r134 pressure switch
(both available at o'riellys)
no need to change the condenser,but do blow out all the lines.
**
I was'nt real pleased with the results initially, so installed an electric fan with
relay to come on when the ac was on, and that made the difference.

[baclay9]

Originally Posted by primrrd

I was'nt real pleased with the results initially, so installed an electric fan with
relay to come on when the ac was on, and that made the difference.

Can you give a little more info on how you wire this up. I would like to do something like that.

[primrrd]

fan is autozone special.
my "ac" friend set it up- but basically the fan is ran directly off of battery power. (heavy wire to battery, grounded to the frame and a 5 pole relay on the core support is activated off of the compressor switch.
**
when the ac is on, the fan will turn.

[383tbi]

Originally Posted by primrrd

definately replace the drier and the orifice tube.
I switched over to r134 when replacing the compressor.
(i dont recommend 4 seasons rebuilts, btw...)
I used a special orifice for r134, and a new r134 pressure switch
(both available at o'riellys)
no need to change the condenser,but do blow out all the lines.
**
I was'nt real pleased with the results initially, so installed an electric fan with
relay to come on when the ac was on, and that made the difference.

What s special about the orifice.Is it a self adjust?

[primrrd]

i dont remember... it was variable, or something. -
- bought it when i picked up the crap compressor and new drier.
the orielly guy seemed knowlegable. sd it was desiged specifically for the
r134 conversion from an r12 system.
ive also read to use the blue ford style orifice instead of the gm when converting.

[Walts_restoration]

variable orifice tube from orileys is like 20 bucks or so.


When i converted my 83 (a whole week ago!) The ac tech told me bring him a new drier/accum. variable orifice tube, 8 ounces of ester oil, conversion fittings and id be in business. I also bought a new low pressure switch (kept it r12 by ac techs suggestion) as they tend to go bad. I have the R4 style compressor on mine, not sure if its the light duty or heavy duty, but if it would be a freezer with an r4 heavy i wish i would have gone that route just for the sake of being ice cold.



As for the condenser, because of the stock large frontal area of our pickups the stock condenser area is fine. Although my fan speed is not quite as fast as id like, so im thinking about bolting in the fan from a 92 extended cab because supposedly they bolt right in, and my vent temps are good but the fan doesnt quite get to me sometimes.