A/C vacuum actuators -68 GTS 340 with factory air

[atedepumpo]

I apologize if this post is lengthy, but I’m trying to explain the research and roadblocks that I’ve had so far. I realize that most replies on this forum suggest going with an aftermarket A/C system rather than sticking with a factory system. Maybe I’ll end up going down that road, but I’d really like to keep the factory system since it is complete and generally in good condition. It also appears that there isn’t really a great aftermarket solution for factory A/C Cars?

I have removed the under-dash system to replace the heater core. When I test the various vacuum actuators with a mity-vac and gauge, they do move the various doors strongly in each direction, so I guess that means the diaphragms are intact. However, a couple of the actuators will not hold vacuum on the side where the rod sticks out. They seem to be leaking where the rod passes through the rubber grommet. Am I correct that this will cause an engine vacuum issue?

I’ve seen a few random NOS actuators on eBay, but they are expensive, and I’m not sure that the 50+ year old rubber would be any good either. Also, I’m not sure I could find the full set of actuators.

Is anyone making reproduction actuators or providing other support for factory Mopar stuff? I see that Original Air in FL was recently bought by Classic Auto Air, and they now only sell new retro-fit systems. It seems that recently, a bunch of the classic car A/C companies were acquired/consolidated and they all seem to sell the same retro-fit systems.

So far, the only idea I have is to try to adapt available reproduction GM actuators, or possibly a universal Dorman actuator. (pictures attached). I’m not sure if these will provide proper travel distance or calibration. In summary, does anyone have suggestions regarding suppliers, or possibly adapting a generic actuator? Any other ideas are welcome too. Thanks.

 

[Super-Cuda]

Just read your post.

If all else fails, try other car models of the same year such as Mustang , Cougar Nova's or Camaro's.

Their aftermarket part support is way better than Mopar.

A lot of these parts were made by the same manufacturer and supplied to the various Auto manufacturers so could possibly work as a replacement.

 

[atedepumpo]

Is it possible to move this post back to the top for reconsideration? I can't be the only one that is trying to stick with the factory AC system. Basically, some of my vacuum actuators leak through the grommet where the rod passes through. Will this will cause an engine vacuum issue, even if the leakage is just a small amount?

I tried Super-Cuda's suggestion, but didn't find any GM or Ford actuators that were very close. For what it's worth, the actuators are stampped with what appears to be an LMPD logo, but I couldn't find any info on that.

Thanks

 

[Jim Kueneman]

50 year old rubber is still 10x better than Chinese crap today. You can fix the originals if it is just leaking around the rod, get heat shrink tubing and shrink a few pieces around the rubber flange where the rod come through.. Not on the rod just on the rubber to put some pressure around the rod.

Jim

 

[atedepumpo]

50 year old rubber is still 10x better than Chinese crap today. You can fix the originals if it is just leaking around the rod, get heat shrink tubing and shrink a few pieces around the rubber flange where the rod come through.. Not on the rod just on the rubber to put some pressure around the rod.

Jim

Thank you. I was hung up on this, and you now have me moving forward again. I was also poking around on FBBO this evening and saw a similar suggestion of wrapping some wire around the rubber.

 

[Jim Kueneman]

Thank you. I was hung up on this, and you now have me moving forward again. I was also poking around on FBBO this evening and saw a similar suggestion of wrapping some wire around the rubber.

That was probably my post as well and I found the heat shrink tubing works way better.

 

[Jim Kueneman]

Just don’t get it too tight. Shrink slowly it and test repeat and if it needs more add another piece and repeat.

 

[atedepumpo]

Just don’t get it too tight. Shrink slowly it and test repeat and if it needs more add another piece and repeat.

Got it. Thanks!