Paul King
MrPJK
I have a 1966 Dodge Dart with factory A?C is it possible to retro fit a newer compressor using my existing lines.Thanks for any advice
A/C Question
- Thread starter Paul King
- Start date
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You will need to convert at least the lines going to and from the compressor.
Your original lines are well.... original.
If you go new compressor then you need to replace your lines OR make or have a fan shop make you adapters.
Joe
Your original lines are well.... original.
If you go new compressor then you need to replace your lines OR make or have a fan shop make you adapters.
Joe
Seems like a lot of work and expense for not a lot of gain. Replace the compressor if needed, change the drier, expansion valve & charge it up. Did that with mine & it works great & looks factory.
A lot of folks say the modern compressors are a lot better than the old ones, and that is no doubt true. But - better is the enemy of good enough.....
A lot of folks say the modern compressors are a lot better than the old ones, and that is no doubt true. But - better is the enemy of good enough.....
What’s wrong with your compressor that you might need to swap it for a modern compressor?
Agree you should at least replace the lines with hose for the refrigerant you’re going to use. You could send the lines to Classic Air - they will reuse all the fittings going to the firewall as they are N/A and add the new compressor’s appropriate fittings.
Bear in mind you will need specific brackets which in all likelihood will likely need to match pulleys for the alternator and PS brackets (if so equipped) to the new compressor pulley(s).
What’s wrong with your OEM compressor that you feel you need to swap for a modern compressor? Rebuild yours, get your hard-to-find OEM horizontal drier rebuilt and as Mike said, will work great and look stock.
Agree you should at least replace the lines with hose for the refrigerant you’re going to use. You could send the lines to Classic Air - they will reuse all the fittings going to the firewall as they are N/A and add the new compressor’s appropriate fittings.
Bear in mind you will need specific brackets which in all likelihood will likely need to match pulleys for the alternator and PS brackets (if so equipped) to the new compressor pulley(s).
What’s wrong with your OEM compressor that you feel you need to swap for a modern compressor? Rebuild yours, get your hard-to-find OEM horizontal drier rebuilt and as Mike said, will work great and look stock.
Paul King
MrPJK
Thanks everyone will stick with the factory setup
James Camp
no mopar
i changed mine on the duster from that big 2 piston to a rotary about 20 lbs lighter, but had to change bracket as well, i pulled brackets from a 89 dodge pickup, then the alternator had to be changed, but went from a 40 amp to 80 amp alternator, then went to Napa had hoses made up to fit, everything cost about $400 including hoses compressor, alternator and brackets , i had it changed to lose that big ugly compressor, and to get to the 134a , happy with the change, if charging remember to purge all the old refrigerant and use the correct oil, and the right amount of 134, because it don't use as much as if using the 12 or 22. Also i would recommend changing the drier, its not that expensive.
Paul King
MrPJK
Thanks Robert
Bear in mind that factory horizontal driers for the early A’s are not available and must be rebuilt with new desiccant if one is to keep it looking original. Later vertical driers can be crammed in the narrow engine compartment at the front but then new lines are mandatory!
Paul King
MrPJK
Were would the drier be rebuilt at
I have had 3 of those horizontal driers rebuilt at Classic Air, eventually selling 2 as the cars got sold. My friends and members FWDLK Frank and 65dartcharger have also had theirs done at Classic Air.
They also rebuilt my compressor as well as all the hoses where they removed all the fittings, restored them to new condition and appearance and replaced the original R12 hoses with new R12 barrier hose. This is for my 65 Dart wagon I’m converting to a sedan delivery.
They also rebuilt my compressor as well as all the hoses where they removed all the fittings, restored them to new condition and appearance and replaced the original R12 hoses with new R12 barrier hose. This is for my 65 Dart wagon I’m converting to a sedan delivery.
Paul King
MrPJK
Thanks
Still using the 50 year old hoses on my a/c charged with 134. It works great & doesn’t leak. In my opinion all this stuff about changing o rings and hoses is a bunch of hooey to sell stuff. Did the research on o rings, no difference. If you are a 99% type of guy, it will probably last longer if you change everything. For me, changing stuff that works for something better (in some unquantifiable way), for some unmeasurable improvement doesn’t interest me. Too many other things on my car to spend money on.
66Dvert
Working on my custom car parts again!
I agree with everything but the cost of the drier. early A's have the horizontal mounted driers and are a pain to find. THEN you have to get them rebuilt which just add to the cost of the drier.
Unless you're a stickler for authenticity, replacing the old, heavy, large, vibrating, and inefficient piston compressor for a rotary compressor is an excellent upgrade for your Dart. Those old compressors use a lot of power robbing energy to run and a Sanden type compressor will work more efficiently and rob less power from your engine. Conversion brackets are available from various sources but Classic Air in Tampa can furnish you with the parts you need for the conversion through their Old Car A/C division. Cost to have the drier rebuilt is $120. Again, if you're not a stickler for authenticity, remove the horizontal drier from your fender, replace it with a hose or hard line and place a modern drier vertically on the radiator support near the radiator and condenser.
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Paul King
MrPJK
Thanks 65 Will check it out
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