Owners have a few choices when deciding whether to restore their vintage auto a/c system or rip it all out and replace it with all new components. This Blazer owner is wondering what combination is best based on the status of his original parts.
I have the original A/C that was removed during the restoration of my 1972 Chevy Blazer. I feel I need to replace the compressor, condenser, all air hoses, and evaporator. I have already replaced the drier and under-hood hoses. The directional flaps inside the air box are not in great shape and I question if they will seal properly. The sheet metal plenum is in great shape.
I am not sure if upgrading the factory system with a rotary compressor, larger condenser and any of the other options is best, or if I should just put in an aftermarket unit. This is not a factory-correct restoration but I would like to keep the functions. In short, I want the best of both worlds — modern efficiency with all the factory functions. Can you suggest what I can do with my factory components to get the best results so that I can compare the costs and function to aftermarket kits?
Classic Auto Air’s Original Air Group specializes in creating “the best of both worlds.” We do this by restoring some of the factory A/C components and replacing others to improve system efficiency. We start with our high-performance A/C engine compartment upgrade kit designed specifically for your Blazer. It includes a modern high-performance rotary compressor and parallel flow condenser, all hoses and lines, compressor mounting brackets and filter-drier. This provides most of the parts you need to insure a clean, contaminant-free system that functions as well or better with the newer 134a refrigerant as with the old R12 refrigerant, drawing significantly less horsepower and eliminating the leak-prone A6 compressor that originally came on the truck.
We finish with the restoration of your original A/C evaporator unit that mounts on the passenger-side of the firewall in the engine compartment. Our restoration will provide you with a rebuilt show-quality unit. All you’ll need to do is reattach it to the firewall, connect the hoses, evacuate, charge and enjoy ice-cold performance even in the hottest of climates.
This combination of upgrade/restoration typically costs $1,300-1,400, which is about the same as replacing your factory A/C with Classic Auto Air’s model-specific Perfect Fit series system. In general, restoring the original factory air system in a classic car is going to cost about the same as replacing it with an aftermarket system, depending on the condition of the original parts.
Whichever way you want to go, we can help. All you have to decide is your personal preference. Give us a call and we’ll make it happen.