A/C question

[smills1840]

Can someone point me in the direction of what I need for my A/C to work? I can't find a list of parts or something to help me out. I have all the duct work I think, below is what my engine bay looks like. What am I missing?

[twozs]

from what i can see everything from the firewall forward . you don't mention what year the car is so its hard to tell if its a cycling system or a VIR system or a poa system . i assume by the ball on the firewall its either a vir or focs. then you can figure out if the controls (ie vacuum and electrical ) work .

[smills1840]

Originally Posted by twozs

from what i can see everything from the firewall forward . you don't mention what year the car is so its hard to tell if its a cycling system or a VIR system or a poa system . i assume by the ball on the firewall its either a vir or focs. then you can figure out if the controls (ie vacuum and electrical ) work .

I pretty much didn't comprehend a word of that. For some reason I just can't wrap my mind around the A/C system of a car.

I have a 1981 z28

[snowcone]

pic of my stock 80 if it helps


pic of really nice stock 80


seem to be missing a lot of hoses, parts and the compressor

[twozs]

those are the ones you need ! lets start at the beginning . the compressor with all hardware . the supply hose from the compressor to the condenser coil ( the condenser coil also if its gone ) . the hose from the condenser to the evap coil , a fixed orifice somewhere in that line . i see you have a evap coil , so skip that . so now were back to gas and the suction side . you need that big silver thing on the rear right side of the of the motor with the plug on it . that is your receiver / dryer . it has a low pressure switch in it to regulate the flow of freon . now your cycle is finished and your back to your compressor . again thats just the mechanical part of the refrigeration system . the vacuum and electrical all need to work too . if all of this is a little confusing then maybe .... it should be left to the professionals .

[smills1840]

Do you think I would be better off just saving up for a retro fit air kit?

Also, can the system be sort of Frankensteined together? Or are all parts very specific to the 1981 camaro? I understand important components will probably be specific (compressor, condenser core, evaporator, etc) but what about hoses and fittings?

Thanks for the help so far guys!

[twozs]

probably as most of the parts are gone . the hoses can be cut and fit for the stock application , but you need the aluminum ends . the compressor can still be purchased in reconditioned and new form ( i believe ) . guys rip theses systems out and sell them all the time . the later years are more common with ac . one thing is , the ac system didn't change for motor size or transmission . there was no special a/c systems so all the cars that were your year wee compatible . its a question you have to ask your self after you price the 2 . either way , its not going to be cheap or easy . another thing is what type of freon you choose to use .

[smills1840]

So I've got all the main components priced out, but now I'm having trouble finding all the hoses and fittings. Where should I look?

[B2inSC]

Classic Auto Air sells an "under hood kit" which uses your factory evaporator and case but replaces the other parts under the hood. I know they have it for earlier models and I imagine they have something that will work for you. It will have a new condensor, new modern style compressor, hoses, dryer, etc. If everything is intact under your dash and with your original control panel, this may be the best way to go.

[smills1840]

I'm sure that's very expensive, but I'll check it out! Thanks!

Edit: It's actually not too bad. I may consider it.