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Excuse me of I've posted in the wrong place or missed the correct search. I'm restoring my 86 Z and it's time to get the a/c working. I'm trying to stay as stock as possible. What/ where should I be looking for a complete replacement?
Classic Auto Air is where I got my complete modernized kit made for our cars. It's a new Sanden style compressor. Came with the appropriate mounting bracket, hoses, condenser and evap. I'd stay away from that big power robbing Delco unit. If you can even find one. I think they sapped something like 14HP whereas the Sanden uses 2, so I've been told. I can't even tell when mines engaged. Blows cold. I installed it in 2016 and still us it to this day. Never had to service it.
Classic Auto Air is where I got my complete modernized kit made for our cars. It's a new Sanden style compressor. Came with the appropriate mounting bracket, hoses, condenser and evap. I'd stay away from that big power robbing Delco unit. If you can even find one. I think they sapped something like 14HP whereas the Sanden uses 2, so I've been told. I can't even tell when mines engaged. Blows cold. I installed it in 2016 and still us it to this day. Never had to service it.
The first link is 86 to 87. Second is 88 to 92. First one is exactly what I have. Says sold out but they do appear to have them. Not sure where they are now but I bought and picked mine up in Tampa
The first link is 86 to 87. Second is 88 to 92. First one is exactly what I have. Says sold out but they do appear to have them. Not sure where they are now but I bought and picked mine up in Tampa
Nothing wrong with the OEM stuff. It fits and it works. You can get all of the OEM replacement components on RockAuto. With the age of the car, I would replace everything (compressor, condenser, evaporator, lines, pressure switches). Go with a little smaller orifice tube (stock is white, use the Ford red one). Add the required amount and viscocity of PAG oil based on what the compressor instructions say, pull a vacuum, charge with R134A. Use about 85% of the amount of refrigerant on the original underhood label for R12. You can also adjust the low pressure switch 3-4psi lower (adjustment screw underneath the electrical connector) to drop the evaporator temperature down to where the old R12 system would run.
That restoration thread is really inspiring, and it’s clear a lot of love and careful work went into bringing that interior back to life. Taking your time with each piece and using quality materials really shows in the final result. It’s also smart to document your process so others tackling similar projects can learn from what worked and what didn’t. What part of the interior did you find the most challenging to restore?
Update:
I installed a complete new stock system and charged it with 134A. Cools to about 45°.I have about $900 in it. I'm happy. The evaporator is a little different and required a little extra insulation but driving on a 88° day in NC is comfortable. I didn't use the red orffice that was recommended in some forums and I wonder if that would have made a difference. All in all I'm happy. Now on to the stereo and I'll be content for the time being.
Did you adjust the low pressure cutout switch? Take the connector off and there is an allen screw in the middle to adjust it. Lower the cut out pressure by 2psi to set the evaporator minimum temperature to be the same as it was for R12.
