Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum (Archives)

terryk on Mon March 25, 2013 2:17 PM

Year: 1987
Make: Pontiac
Model: Fiero
Engine Size: 2.8L
Refrigerant Type: R134
Country of Origin: United States

Insert Fiero Comments Here Get them out of your system ->

I am helping a friend fix his Fiero AC. It's been converted to R134 (the right way) but the stock condenser took a hit and needs to be replaced. Rather than replacing it with another tube and fin I want to use a parallel condenser. We have a hydraulic company here that can make any AC hoses or lines I need. They've made my custom line for engine swaps over the years.

Do the newer universal condensers use the same connectors or are adapters needed? The Fiero connectors are both at the bottom so I will either have to shorten the upper line or add a hose to loop it back up to the top connector. I have a compression fitting tool although I am not sure I can make the AC connector if I need to shorten the upper line.

The Fiero condenser 24" x 14" x 2" overall (mounting and fittings.) I am looking at the 12-0437C - PF Condenser (14 X 22.5) and it should fit with some room on the DS for hoses. I figure the 40-72702 - Universal Condenser Mount Kit should work.

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp204/terrybk/StockFieroCondenser.jpg

Any input appreciated!

Terry

terryk on Mon March 25, 2013 2:18 PM

LOL, wrong emoticon!

TRB on Mon March 25, 2013 5:36 PM

Personally I would have kept this R12.

Proper mounting brackets would be better option than the pull tie straps.

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Contact: ACKits.com

terryk on Mon March 25, 2013 5:56 PM

The conversion wasn't my decision. It was done before. I am just trying to help make the best of the situation.

I'll avoid tie-straps!

NickD on Tue March 26, 2013 4:54 AM

Son and I started working on an 84 back in around 88, decided to get rid of it and got a Supra instead. Only could carry one passenger, and not even space to carry a six pack. Yeah, it looked cool at the time.

Have fun.

terryk on Tue March 26, 2013 10:08 AM

Quote
Originally posted by: NickD
Son and I started working on an 84 back in around 88, decided to get rid of it and got a Supra instead. Only could carry one passenger, and not even space to carry a six pack. Yeah, it looked cool at the time.

Have fun.

So since it's a Fiero, I won't get any answers? Yikes!

We don't like your car. No help!

TRB on Tue March 26, 2013 11:07 AM

Answer is you will need to plumb new hoses for a PF condenser. If you plan to run R134a that is your best option to cool the vehicle. PF condenser comes with #8 & # 6 o-ring fitting connections. I never try to make short adapter lines, so it is new lines from the condenser back.

-------------------------

When considering your next auto A/C purchase, please consider the site that supports you: ACkits.com
Contact: ACKits.com

terryk on Tue March 26, 2013 1:26 PM

Great input, thanks! I can do that to two fittings easily. It would make the install much cleaner. I found the hose fitting PDFs so I will order them with the condenser. He better appreciate this!

In the future, I will make sure I select a Bonneville and not a Fiero.

Terry

NickD on Tue March 26, 2013 4:55 PM

Didn't mean to say anything negative, that 84 ran the hoses way back, could be our road salt, but even only after three years, were in very bad shape. Can see Tim's point about replacing both of them. Not easy to shield.

terryk on Tue March 26, 2013 8:20 PM

No worries! That's why I added the lightening pole at the beginning. They all burn down don't they? Yeah, mines burnt to the ground three times now!

The only lines I would consider swapping are from the condenser to the first connectors under the front tire bucket. That would eliminate any weird loops at the condenser. There is no need to replace the solid metal tubes going from the front to back. They just don't go bad. In fact, they might be aluminum. I've never seen a single one rusted.

But I digress ... I think I have what I need. Thank you!