134A conversion, don't hesitate!!

[Scotty]

I just wanted to share this with all of you that are on the fence about changing your A/C equipped C body to an R134A system. I ordered my under hood kit with 24in condenser, and Sanden compressor from Bouchillon Performance Engineering. The kit comes with lengths of hose, fittings, miscellaneous hardware, condenser, pressure switch, cycling switch, and receiver/dryer. The compressor bracket you have to order separate depending on what motor you have. I opted to buy an A/C hose/fitting crimping tool ($160 from Amazon) so I didn't have to mock up my hoses, take them someplace to get crimped, and then find out when I install them they were not crimped in the right place. The install process is a bit time consuming, but in the end soooo worth it!! When you turn on the A/C the engine idle hardly drops and the air blowing out of the vents is a comfortable 49 degrees! A testament that modern automotive technology does offer some benefits for our classics!

Sorry about the extra pics, they somehow got uploaded on here and I can't remove them!

 

[mr. fix it]

Thanks for sharing all the photos!
Great job!

 

[thrashingcows]

Yup I did this conversion on my 68 TC wagon several years ago. Used the Bouchillion kit as well, for the under hood AC lines and fittings, and the 440, Sanden AC compressor mount. The wagon cools very well.

 

[70bigblockdodge]

Agreed A/C is one area were modern tech is superior small light less drag, less freon.

 

[commando1]

On both of my cars, EVERYTHING is new so I don't want to touch a thing other than replace the compressors.
The first is my '67 383-2
and the other one is my '76 440
Can Sandens bolt right on either or both of them? Just the compressor if possible. I don't want to get into changing pulleys, etc.

Also Bouchelon charges a mint for the Sandens. One can get them cheaper elsewhere. Right?
Or is the correct pully/Sanden setup only available from Bouchelon?

I wanna do it.

 

[Big_John]

I bought the Boucillion compressor for my car. I haven't put it on yet, but the price wasn't much more than what I saw on Ebay etc. I figured it was the correct setup right out of the box with the proper pulley/clutch installed.

You won't have to change the other pulleys.

Give them a call. They are really nice people to deal with and will answer your questions.

 

[Big_John]

Then again.... The Sanden clones are about $100 cheaper on ebay (I just looked). The one Bouchillon sells is a clone too... So I can't tell you if their clone is better.

 

[Scotty]

commando1 you can change just the compressor but the cooling efficiency of the 134A is going to be determined by having a condenser designed for 134A. With a Sanden you will have to get shorter belts. I'm not sure if you need to have a pressure switch and clutch cycling switch with the use of 134A, the kit I got had all those.

 

[thrashingcows]

I searched on E-bay and eventually found a Sanden SD705HD, I believe that's what it was. It's a HD version usually used on commercial, or industrial equipment. It was in the original Sanden box...think I paid about $75.

 

[1978 NYB]

I have stock everything on 78 NYB with a RV2 Compressor and R134A.

I'm getting 38 degrees at the center vent.

 

[Scotty]

With what kind of ambient temp are you achieving that 38 degrees? The 49 degrees I got was in a shop that was 95-100 degrees. Here in the metro Phoenix area using 134 in a R-12 system doesn't work so well....I've tried that lol

 

[1978 NYB]

Ambient temp was 90....it gets to 38 in about 2 minutes.

 

[1978 NYB]

I rebuilt the hoses, replaced the receiver drier, H-Block (expansion valve), and the compressor gaskets and all the O-rings. Vacuumed it down for 30 minutes and put in 38 oz R134A and a little oil. It worked great but I had a crack develop in the condenser and found some guys in California and bought one from them. Had it up and running in no time. I'm still working on an air flow problem, I either have a mouse nest in the vents or a blend door not functioning properly.

www.condenserstore.com

 

[livininharrow]

I have stock everything on 78 NYB with a RV2 Compressor and R134A.

I'm getting 38 degrees at the center vent.

that is way too much of a temp drop. that indicates lack of air flow. plugged up evaporator coil most likely. u should only see about a 30 degree temp drop if all else is good.

 

[1978 NYB]

that is way too much of a temp drop. that indicates lack of air flow. plugged up evaporator coil most likely. u should only see about a 30 degree temp drop if all else is good.

That is interesting and I hope not the case. I don't want to take it all apart .....again. Heck, I haven't looked for an evaporator. I hope it's not another chase it forever to find a new one.

 

[Scotty]

If the evaporator is plugged up, it wont be the internals, it will be the fins that are clogged with dirt and debris. So that would mean the fun task of removing the heater core/ evap box could be in your future.

 

[commando1]

I have stock everything on 78 NYB with a RV2 Compressor and R134A.

I'm getting 38 degrees at the center vent.

You suck, Bob.........

 

[commando1]

I searched on E-bay and eventually found a Sanden SD705HD, I believe that's what it was. It's a HD version usually used on commercial, or industrial equipment. It was in the original Sanden box...think I paid about $75.

And the pulleys were correct??
And YES, I want a Sanden sized for truck.
Do it right eh?

 

[70bigblockdodge]

They sell about any configuration pulley you could want if you can't find something Stan let me know the a/c guy up the road is top notch I know him well and he can ship right to you.

 

[1978 NYB]

You suck, Bob.........

My Newport has been sitting for 25 years....it still has R12 in it. LOL!