AC lines

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Jim Lusk

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Ok, different question. I'm trying to get my AC lines done on my Barracuda (Classic Auto Air). None of the fittings they sent will work and they sent two lengths of #8 hose and no #6. I don't really care about that, though. I would like to run more tubing than hose, but I'm not finding a vendor with just a few feet of tubing and a good way to install fittings or even a crimp tool to put the ferrules on. Summit has a Vintage tubing kit, but it has more than I think I need and is over $500. We've got a good local AC shop that will make up what I want, but that's gonna be $550-750. I've still got a few local shops to check with...

Vintage Air 31201-VUQ Vintage Air ProLine Line Kits | Summit Racing
 
Their tubing price looks high. And, they don't show the tools I would need to flare the tubing correctly. I'm still hoping to find some place reasonably local to me. I've got one other place to check.
 
I bought my crimper on amazon and all the fittings I could ever want from summit. Hose too. The kits are technically universal. You need to build it your self.
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I've got the crimp tool. I want less hose and more tubing...without spending $500.
 
Jim Lusk said:
I've got the crimp tool. I want less hose and more tubing...without spending $500.
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On mine, I got the proper size/length/fitting Vintage Air "U-Bend Em" lines through Summit and then had ColdHose make up the hoses (I don't have the crimping tool, and nobody local to make them) to connect it all together. Since you have a proper AC crimp tool, just get the fittings you need and crimp your own hoses.
Getting the U-Bend Ems with fittings already installed saves you from having to weld/aluminum braze fittings onto bulk tubing. Measure twice, order once. Gentle bends can be made by hand, tighter bends need a tubing bender.
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Didn't turn out half bad for my first time building AC from scratch.
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Clelan said:
My buddy lent me this kit. It worked great to crimp on ends. It sure has gone up in price though. I should have bought one 5 years ago.

Cley
Mastercool 71550 Air Conditioner Hose Crimper https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B000WBQ4U2?tag=fabo03-20
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Yeah, I have one of those tools, but I don't have a tool that does the other crimp/flare that captures the nut or ferrule. I have found them, but they are even more expensive and might not have the die for 1/2".
 

Jim Lusk said:
Ok, different question. I'm trying to get my AC lines done on my Barracuda (Classic Auto Air). None of the fittings they sent will work and they sent two lengths of #8 hose and no #6. I don't really care about that, though. I would like to run more tubing than hose, but I'm not finding a vendor with just a few feet of tubing and a good way to install fittings or even a crimp tool to put the ferrules on. Summit has a Vintage tubing kit, but it has more than I think I need and is over $500. We've got a good local AC shop that will make up what I want, but that's gonna be $550-750. I've still got a few local shops to check with...

Vintage Air 31201-VUQ Vintage Air ProLine Line Kits | Summit Racing
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4 seasons Four Seasons | English used to have all sorts of stuff that could be used for custom applications in the back of their catalog. S.U.R.R. may have something useful to you also. Air Conditioning - SUR&R
 
There is an outfit called Tompkins in Kansas City that repairs hydraulic hoses for businesses that have big equipment. They can make anything and are very reasonable. I have taken power steering hoses to them and have had them modified. It is one of those place that makes stuff while you wait. They charged me $12 including the connector.

I wonder if there is a place like that by you.
 
Got the tubes and hoses made up. Finished yesterday and pulled a vacuum on it. It is holding. Still too cold to charge and I'm not done with the rest of the install, but this is a big deal for me. Now to get it back together enough so that I get it to my buddy's place to finish the paint.

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I would strongly suggest supporting those lines in and out of the compressor a bit more with some sort of support bracket or tying them to another component (heater hose). Even the long hardline from the condenser might need one more p-clip.
I made custom lines up and didn't have enough support for general vibration and started seeing oil leakage at a joint after a few years.
 
OT: I'd like someone to explain to me, since the low side, lower pressure, especially when evacuating, etc, IS THE SMALL FITTING, and the high side is the LARGE fitting.
 
I think the openings are the same size. They're just different so you don't get mixed up which is which for the guages.
 
Jim Lusk said:
No. Their kit doesn't fit the firewall and doesn't fit with an RB. So, I had to put a tweak on the heater core tubes and move the larger AC line. I had to make this cover.
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It doesn’t fit the firewall or with an RB engine? Isn’t it listed as an option to use with a 383/400/440 engine?

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It doesn't fit the car no matter the engine and doesn't fit with an RB without mods.

And, yes they claim it fits with all of the above.
 
I got their firewall grommet piece to work but they sent me a plastic one.

Just for added info for someone else down the line, their hoses for a small block magnum engine do not fit at all. I believe they're for an LA block because the bracket moves the compressor closer to the pass side on an LA block. Magnum block the compressor is more centered if you're using the Buchillion bracket and neither hose will reach.
 
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