Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum (Archives)

Jag987 on Thu July 18, 2013 11:38 PM

Year: 1972
Make: Ford
Model: Ranchero
Engine Size: 429
Refrigerant Type: r12

The things I am asked to fix......

So today I had a customer come in with a mess. He has a 72 Ranchero 429 GT ad it was a mess. It had a MSD ignition system, so I was able to overlook most of the "extra" wires that did not go anywhere. Aftermarket carb and air cleaner and a big empty spot where the compressor should have been. the owner stated the compressor was missing when he got the car several years ago. And no, the lines are not capped. Yes, they are very dirty inside, but I did not take anything off so I don't know what they look like beyond the ends. I took a good look at it and said I would get back to him and let him know if I was even willing to work on it. I have never worked on a system this old and have lots of questions and concerns. IF repaired it would be converted to R134a at time of repairs.

1. There is an accumulator next to the condenser (looks stock) and a receiver drier in the hoses, were they both there from the factory? Does anyone have a diagram for this car?

2. I realize I will get different opinions here here, but could anything that could be flushed and reused (condenser, evaporator...) or should everything need to be replaced?

3. Parts. Quick check here and my other usual places, I have only been able to find a compressor. Any ideas where to find factory replacement parts? or

4. I have never installed one, but would this be a good car for a aftermarket system like vintage air or others?

5. What am I missing???

Like I said I have never worked on the air conditioning on anything this old and any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

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I bought a can of 134a at w**-mart that had a stop leak, oil, and dye in it. It also had a hose and a gauge, so now I'm an AC pro!

iceman2555 on Fri July 19, 2013 3:07 PM

A personal suggestion....since not knowing the condition of the parts/debris/dirt/leaks/corrosion factors etc. and if the customer does not want a 100 point factory restoration, the Vintage AC etc kit sounds very good. Could this system be repaired and made functional....by all means....yes....but at what cost for parts and labor. All to often....we take the "heck, I can fix this...." and several 100 dollars of non-billable labor hours...we discover that for 'X' dollars and a minimal amount of labor this job would be done...and the profits already spent.
Search for a kit that will perform for your customer and suggest this kit.
Just my lazy ass $.02 worth.

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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

Jag987 on Fri July 19, 2013 3:54 PM

The amount or rust and crap I saw in the end of the lines really had me worried about what I could not see inside. Condenser is junk I'm sure, POV would need to be re calibrated, Evaporator-who knows but not going to trust it. Replace everything seems to be the way to go. But I think a complete new aftermarket system would be the way to go. Who besides Vintage Air makes a complete system? I am thinking about doing this just because I have never installed an aftermarket system.

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I bought a can of 134a at w**-mart that had a stop leak, oil, and dye in it. It also had a hose and a gauge, so now I'm an AC pro!

Edited: Sat July 20, 2013 at 2:51 PM by Jag987

Dougflas on Sat July 20, 2013 3:41 PM

The part next to the condenser is a drier/receiver. The part in the hoses is a muffler. Iceman's suggestion sounds logical.

Jag987 on Sat July 20, 2013 5:54 PM

Muffler? That is a first for me, what does/did it do? Thanks for the info. I always get accumulators and receiver driers backwards.


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I bought a can of 134a at w**-mart that had a stop leak, oil, and dye in it. It also had a hose and a gauge, so now I'm an AC pro!

fireguywtc on Sat July 20, 2013 10:36 PM

Quote
Originally posted by: iceman2555
A personal suggestion....since not knowing the condition of the parts/debris/dirt/leaks/corrosion factors etc. and if the customer does not want a 100 point factory restoration, the Vintage AC etc kit sounds very good. Could this system be repaired and made functional....by all means....yes....but at what cost for parts and labor. All to often....we take the "heck, I can fix this...." and several 100 dollars of non-billable labor hours...we discover that for 'X' dollars and a minimal amount of labor this job would be done...and the profits already spent.

Search for a kit that will perform for your customer and suggest this kit.

Just my lazy ass $.02 worth.

I agree with this. If you are willing to give up the original setup, this is the way to go. I restored the factory AC system in my 70 F250 and after buying a new compressor, blower motor, expansion valve, all new lines and condenser it cost me about the same as getting a kit. I also did most of the work myself. Also the aftermarket kits work better then the factory setups with r134 also.

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1970 Ford F250 4x4
2007 Ford F350