1969 Barracuda Fastback
AC line - drier to expansion valve:
Project completed! This was the last line missing on my original AC restoration/R134A conversion project. Again, I bent a template using a 1.5 mm. Unfortunately, #6 female/female connector AC lines are just available in certain lengths. In my case, I ordered a 60" line, but for the Barracuda I would have needed an AC line with a length around 53".
It's still a miracle to me, but obviously, non of the shops around Dayton has a flaring tool for AC lines. Again I had to come up with an alternative solution and consulted the professional welder. I pre-bent the AC line, cut out a section of the 60" line, and marked both ends for perfect alignment. The professional welder then used a short piece of #8 AC line as a sleeve and brazed the line ends together. The factory AC line had a little support bracket exactly at that location, so this brazed connection won't be visible. Very happy with the outcome of my AC project. It was definitely labor intensive but it paid off. The engine compartment looks quite original again - as it left the Chrysler factory around 50 years ago.
Today in the morning I did the "spring oil change" and took the Barracuda for a 3h ride on this sunny day. For the real classic look, I also got some new leather drivers gloves, which needed to be worn in...:)
I wanna say "Thank You" to all members of this great forum for your advice, support, and positive feedback. Your restoration threads and messages helped a lot - I really appreciate it.
Cheers and safe rides,
Wolfgang
AC line - drier to expansion valve:
Project completed! This was the last line missing on my original AC restoration/R134A conversion project. Again, I bent a template using a 1.5 mm. Unfortunately, #6 female/female connector AC lines are just available in certain lengths. In my case, I ordered a 60" line, but for the Barracuda I would have needed an AC line with a length around 53".
It's still a miracle to me, but obviously, non of the shops around Dayton has a flaring tool for AC lines. Again I had to come up with an alternative solution and consulted the professional welder. I pre-bent the AC line, cut out a section of the 60" line, and marked both ends for perfect alignment. The professional welder then used a short piece of #8 AC line as a sleeve and brazed the line ends together. The factory AC line had a little support bracket exactly at that location, so this brazed connection won't be visible. Very happy with the outcome of my AC project. It was definitely labor intensive but it paid off. The engine compartment looks quite original again - as it left the Chrysler factory around 50 years ago.
Today in the morning I did the "spring oil change" and took the Barracuda for a 3h ride on this sunny day. For the real classic look, I also got some new leather drivers gloves, which needed to be worn in...:)
I wanna say "Thank You" to all members of this great forum for your advice, support, and positive feedback. Your restoration threads and messages helped a lot - I really appreciate it.
Cheers and safe rides,
Wolfgang
