Topic: A/C System Restoration

[Stangly]

The 68 J-Code I'm working on came with factory installed air. Looking for some advice and references for vendors to help with restoring some of the many components. Can many of these items be restored and if not which items should one replace. I'd like to keep the engine bay original. Last question is it reccommended to upgrade the system to the newer refrigerant.

Thanks,

[67gtasanjose]

The 68 J-Code I'm working on came with factory installed air. Looking for some advice and references for vendors to help with restoring some of the many components. Can many of these items be restored and if not which items should one replace. I'd like to keep the engine bay original. Last question is it reccommended to upgrade the system to the newer refrigerant.

Thanks,

Classic Auto Aire has a restoration service available for original items.
I have not used them for every component so perhaps some others can chime in with their experience also.
I did have them restore my dryer from off the side of my condenser. That item came out pretty good and I am pleased with it.
I have considered buying a compressor overhaul kit from them.

[CharlesTurner]

Classic Auto Air would be good to restore/test the evaporator coil and possibly rebuild the compressor.  Otherwise, I would recommend buying a new condenser and dryer as those usually do not fare very well over time.  The rest of it is just regular restoration work.  Install new box seals and heater core, new vacuum hoses, etc...  The '68 LH side control panels are bad about the lower section breaking off, in which case you'd be looking for a good original.

[Bob Gaines]

Classic Auto Aire has a restoration service available for original items.
I have not used them for every component so perhaps some others can chime in with their experience also.
I did have them restore my dryer from off the side of my condenser. That item came out pretty good and I am pleased with it.
I have considered buying a compressor overhaul kit from them.

I wasn't aware that they restored the original dryers. How much did they charge .Could you post a picture of the dryer that you had them restore? I would like to confirm that it is in fact a assemblyline dryer vs a service replacement.

[ruppstang]

I have had them restore the assembly line dryers. It seems like it was around $100. I have one on our 68 HCS.

[KevinK]

Hoses can be restored. Replated fittings, hoses replaced with up to date materials for r132. Not sure what the final product will look like with crimps and new hose.

R12 frepn can still be purchased, it's just not manufactured anymore in the USA.

[Bob Gaines]

Hoses can be restored. Replated fittings, hoses replaced with up to date materials for r132. Not sure what the final product will look like with crimps and new hose.

R12 frepn can still be purchased, it's just not manufactured anymore in the USA.

Fittings can be replated but if the hose material is sun or heat faded you can only repaint them with some of the rubberized paint . You however lose all of the printing that is on a original set . Original hoses in good condition are still relatively plentiful. Remade hoses with new rubber hose and fittings does not look even close to a  original .

[preaction]

I have had an original aluminum dryer for a 67 rebuilt, they cut the bottom off replace the desiccant for either R12 or 134r and re weld the bottom.

[67gtasanjose]

I have had an original aluminum dryer for a 67 rebuilt, they cut the bottom off replace the desiccant for either R12 or 134r and re weld the bottom.

+1
I have seen at their site they also will rebuild original expansion valves (typically hard to find original-style).

Exchange Rebuilt Clutches are available at times or you might send yours in for the service.

Many vendors (including CAA) carry new clutch brushes but I cannot confirm how well any of these aftermarket versions match to OE Ford parts. Original Service Replacement Brush Sets often carry the C8 engineering number, with Ford Oval, slightly different than the earlier versions but at least very close to originals. I would say that depending the scope of your project, you should be careful in your selections.

[67gtasanjose]

I wasn't aware that they restored the original dryers. How much did they charge .Could you post a picture of the dryer that you had them restore? I would like to confirm that it is in fact a assemblyline dryer vs a service replacement.

Some BEFORE pics.
I marked mine & noted the welds before sending it in. I recieved the same drier back and had difficulty in noticing their work ( but you can see where they opened it up when you look close enough)

AFTER pics would need to be added later. Currently, the dryer is mounted to the condenser & is in storage. Not hard to unpack, I suppose but perhaps somebody has easier pics to upload. As I mentioned, it was mine sent back and you really had to look to see any changes. For example, the welding pattern wasn't identical (like no signature is the same )

[Bob Gaines]

Some BEFORE pics.
I marked mine & noted the welds before sending it in. I recieved the same drier back and had difficulty in noticing their work ( but you can see where they opened it up when you look close enough)

AFTER pics would need to be added later. Currently, the dryer is mounted to the condenser & is in storage. Not hard to unpack, I suppose but perhaps somebody has easier pics to upload. As I mentioned, it was mine sent back and you really had to look to see any changes. For example, the welding pattern wasn't identical (like no signature is the same )

I'll take your word for it .No need to unpack. Yes that mounting band around the diameter indicates a assemblyline unit. If they opened it by cutting it at the original opening weld and put it back the same way is what i was concerned about.

[J_Speegle]

Hoses can be restored. Replated fittings, hoses replaced with up to date materials for r132. Not sure what the final product will look like with crimps and new hose.

The vast majority of the time (at least the ones I've seen) look played with and different from factory. Likely different materials, crimping machine and so on

[sah62]

Here's another vendor that I've used in addition to Classic Auto Air: Old Air Products of Fort Worth, Texas.

[67gtasanjose]

Along the "lines" of discussion of underhood items, particularly the valves that connect the lines to the compressor (including the associated caps)...
What are the best options? Replating the valves, buy the replacement caps? Buy new valves & new caps? What have others done with these details to keep it "easy", keep expenses to a minimum & yet get the best results along Concours standards. (Yes, the default/safe answer is "Restore your Originals", but what are best alternative options)

[tobkob]

After being 'dinged' for a 'dinged' cap I opted to order new caps from NPD. They look like the originals so I put the originals up and installed the repros.

TOB