AC donor car questions

[Woodsman341]

Hi folks,

I have a factory AC, 1975 Dart Sport 360 from which the under hood AC components were removed. I have a buddy with a 1974 Valiant, 318, that was parked about a year and a half ago and the AC worked then. My questions:

- Would all the under hood parts be compatible? Everything looks the same, but I'm going from memory of my Dart I had in the 80s. Hoses, compressor mount, etc.

- Is it still possible to find rebuild kits for the compressor? It worked well, but if I'm restoring the whole car, I'd just as soon rebuild the compressor while it's out.

- Which parts are a "mandatory replace"? I'm not sure which parts are mandatory serviceable.

Yes, I know I can get an aftermarket setup, but really want to stay stock.

Thanks!

 

[67Dart273]

Just a guess, but if one car had power steering, the other did not, there might be differences in pulleys/ belts setup. But swapping all parts, from one to other should fix that I'd think. Should all pretty much be a bolt on. Might be a difference in a top bracket/ brace depending on intake manifold. MIGHT

 

[Woodsman341]

Oh! Yeah, b

Just a guess, but if one car had power steering, the other did not, there might be differences in pulleys/ belts setup. But swapping all parts, from one to other should fix that I'd think. Should all pretty much be a bolt on. Might be a difference in a top bracket/ brace depending on intake manifold. MIGHT

Oh yeah! Both have power steering and power brakes. Yeah....I really don't know about the intake manifold differences, either. Good point.

 

[Woodsman341]

Any other caveats?

 

[Demonic]

The V2 compressor gasket kits are hard to find lately. You should replace the dryer for sure, and inspect the condenser carefully. The aluminum threads are easily damaged during disassembly, penetrating oil and a little heat is your friend. You'll replace all the o rings, of course. A commercial HVAC tech could pressurize it with nitrogen, makes finding leaks a snap.