Updating AC system

[pats71]

There are a few questions I have concerning the AC system on my 71' Roadrunner.

The first thing I want to ask is would it be better to rebuild the factory piston compressor or go with an updated compressor? (forgot the specific name of it)

The other thing I want to know is how to I go about rebuilding and updating the AC system? The entire AC system on the car is stock and is untouched. I was originally thinking of using R12 and rebuilding the existing parts. I would prefer to keep as much of the "original" look as possible since the car is an original AC/4speed car.

But after speaking with my old man, he suggests going with an updated smaller compressor. His reasons are an updated pump doesn't rob as much power as a stock compressor and R134 is more readily available. Any opinions on his input?

[Eric]

I think it really depends on just how original you want the car to be. R12 refrigerant isn't going to get any easier to find as the existing supplies are depleted

[72RoadRunnerGTX]

The modern rotary/or Sanden compressor, besides being more efficient, is also considerably smaller physically than the original v-twin compressor. Allowing for the retrofit of options not available on a factory A/C car back then, options like a Six-pack and/or Air Grabber hood. Keep in mind most of the underhood lines having rubber hose sections will need to be replaced or reworked using R-134A rated hose and new R-134A service ports added. The tools used to crimp the hose to the hard lines are different than R-12 rated lines from back then. Evaporator and anything original used will require through cleaning to remove any/all R-12 refrigerant oil residue.

[pats71]

I guess "stock" really doesn't matter with what I plan on doing. For the most part the car is keeping what it already has. Since it's an original AC car anyways, I guess it doesn't hurt to upgrade what it already has and simply hang on to all the original AC parts, as is what I'm doing with all the original parts on this car.

Now who has the most inexpensive kit out there to convert our cars to R-134 systems?

I'm already planning on spending $2200 on an EZ-EFI system, then the cost of rebuilding the engine. The engine, whether I go with a 383 or 440, I want to be making 425hp/450-500lb. Then a points conversion kit so I can still using my OE points distributor.

Don't ask me why I'm trying to keep a balance of upgrades and OE parts lol

[Elvad]

I think if you drilled a couple holes in the top of the old compressor and installed sparkplugs you could turn that thing into an engine. It is a ridiculously huge, heavy, out of date design. The heck with OE, Chrysler air always kinda sucked anyway, save a hundred pounds and get A/C that actually works.

[steved]

I"m looking into the same thing for the GTX. I talked to the guys at vintage air about retrofit kits and they apparently have one.

steve