Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum (Archives)

69-er on Thu September 02, 2010 7:30 PM

Year: 1968
Make: Pontiac
Model: Firebird
Engine Size: 400
Refrigerant Type: R12

It appears that my 68 Firebird originally came with worm hose clamps from the factory. They have the long tang on them to properly position the clamp over the barb fitting.

Anybody know where to get some? I thought they would be a common item in stores.

dray8165 on Thu September 02, 2010 7:43 PM

You can get them off of e-bay:

Per note at top of this page... Auction links are prohibited on this forum.


Edited: Thu September 02, 2010 at 9:41 PM by Automotive Air Conditioning Information Moderator

iceman2555 on Thu September 02, 2010 7:45 PM

This design fell out of favor many years ago. Actually, if not mistaken, these are not allowed by EPA regs any longer. They can not be or should I say should not be used with 134a (barrier hose). They tend to cut into the barrier part of the hose and produce leaks.
Been a long time since I saw one of these units...but if the AC is a factory installed unit....the clamps are probably aftermarket. Can not remember these vehicles being equipped with this type attachments.
Why not bite the bullet and replace and repair your hoses properly with the correct beadlock fittings for the update hoses.

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The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.
Thomas Jefferson

bohica2xo on Thu September 02, 2010 8:57 PM

69:

This thread has the info you are looking for:

Clamps & Barrier hose

Including a pic of the OEM GM clamps. Your best choice is to switch to the smooth ID clamp, and simply measure the location for the clamp. The little stamped leg was just for the assembly line workers anyway. The smooth ID clamp is much better for the hose, no matter what type of hose.

B.

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"Among the many misdeeds of the British rule in India, history will look upon the act of depriving a whole nation of arms, as the blackest."
~ Mahatma Gandhi, Gandhi, An Autobiography, M. K. Gandhi, page 446.