73 Monaco wagon

[MonacoBlue]

It sounds like you have a solid idea of what needs done and a plan on how to get it done. I could imagine how a car without AC becomes a metal bake box in a Texas summer. Not optional.

Such a nice wagon.

 

[MonacoBlue]

Alright. Some updates. Front wheel bearings replaced, with new seals. Flashers (2!?) replaced. Headlight switch replaced. Brake lights electrical circuit goes through turn signal switch in steering wheel (?), so my mechanic discovered. All (those) systems are now nominal.

However, my A/C compressor got checked, and it is in need of replacement. I see Classic Industries has a replacement. Any suggestions? I’ll probably pick one up with a new drier. Also, for stopping light surface rust inside the car roof and quarter panels, has anyone ever used Ospho (phosphoric acid)?

 

[cantflip]

I'm a big fan of Ospho...

 

[MonacoBlue]

Thanks

I'm a big fan of Ospho...

Can you paint over it ok? Does it stop rust? Just spray primer on it, after the metal has been treated with it, then some body color paint?

 

[65sporty]

Just went through the thread, great project. If your changing out the A/C compressor I would convert it to R-134A. Along with a new drier I would also change the expansion valves.
I did a conversion on a 88 Dodge B250 last year and I don't know how long the system was out of service, but the expansion valve was not doing it's job, new valve, drier, pag oil, recharge and now cold air.

 

[MonacoBlue]

Is this round copper flat thingie an expansion valve?

 

[65sporty]

Is this round copper flat thingie an expansion valve?

View attachment 195816

View attachment 195817

Yes, that's it in the 2 pic's. The A/C lines thread into it and the capillary tube goes to the low side line to control the refrigerant flow

 

[MonacoBlue]

Not finding a reman compressor with clutch already installed. Anyone have any internet sources they recommend? Maybe I am not looking in the right place.

 

[MonacoBlue]

So it’s surprise and delight, as I realize when I turn the tailgate key it electrically raises or lowers the window.

Replaced the lock because the key didn’t fit it. A locksmith buddy re-arranged the tumblers in a donor lock. One more functionality back on line. Actually, now that I think about it, that’s FOUR more functionalities restored! Lock, unlock, glass up, glass down! Whoo-hoo!

 

[polara71]

 

[Beep Beep Dave]

So it’s surprise and delight, as I realize when I turn the tailgate key it electrically raises or lowers the window.

Replaced the lock because the key didn’t fit it. A locksmith buddy re-arranged the tumblers in a donor lock. One more functionality back on line. Actually, now that I think about it, that’s FOUR more functionalities restored! Lock, unlock, glass up, glass down! Whoo-hoo!

View attachment 208383

Thanks, I was thinking you could do that. Mine doesn't work but I got a new (used was supposed to be NOS lol) tailgate motor to try.

Dave

 

[MonacoBlue]

Before and after of the tailgate sill. Not as nice as I’d like it to be, but much better than it was. Just a couple hours of elbow grease. Gave it a Saturday afternoon “hit, lick,and a promise”. Metal underneath looked good, got 45 years of dirt off the shiny blue paint.

 

[MonacoBlue]

Rusted rear view mirror post. Next micro-project. Mirror hangs loosely and won’t stay in place, which is the other reason I took it down.

 

[MonacoBlue]

Naval jelly and sandpaper...good enough for now.

 

[polara71]

Paint it argent silver and you'll be good.

 

[MonacoBlue]

I told myself right after I took it down: “I bet it was argent silver.” No kidding.

 

[polara71]

It's gotta be. They are silver, I presume Argent. You can get something close from the Lowe's tomorrow before you reinstall .....please.

 

[MonacoBlue]

Ha! Alright. Let’s see what tomorrow brings.

 

[MonacoBlue]

I know how this goes. If I put it back in without paint it’ll rust and I’ll be back where I was today, in 6 months.

 

[MonacoBlue]

Flat, matte, or gloss?