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Compressor Style Conversion

69-er on Thu March 20, 2008 7:08 PM User is offlineView users profile

Year: 1966
Make: Chevrolet
Model: C-10
Engine Size: 350
Refrigerant Type: R-12
Country of Origin: United States

My truck has the factory AC set up with the long style (axial) compressor. I would like to convert over to the radial style compressor. Would the radial compressor be compatible with the rest of the system? I will more than likely convert to R-134 also.

Thanks!

Larry

CorvairGeek on Thu March 20, 2008 7:50 PM User is offline

If I understand correctly, you are wanting to trade the best GM compressor (A6) for a noisy rough one (R4) with questionable durability (though I've had very good R4s). If this is the case and your truck has the passenger's side compressor (as I recall), you will be limited to Corvette brackets for the compressor or a later serpentine drive belt system. If you are wanting something else or driver's side mounting, you have a lot more options. It's not a change I would make unless you are wanting a Sanden/Seltec compressor, and I would still be partial to the A6.
The compressors could be compatible, it's just how much you want to change hoses. Do you still have original hoses? Old hoses are not a good option with R134a, but I probably wouldn't use them with R12 either.

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Jerry

Edited: Thu March 20, 2008 at 7:53 PM by CorvairGeek

69-er on Thu March 20, 2008 9:12 PM User is offlineView users profile

Yes, my plan is to mount the compressor on the driver's side so I can go with the post 1969, long water pump style with the alternator on the passenger side. I had no idea the older compressors were considered a better quality than the newer style.

Now, I'm not sure when GM switched to the R4 compressor, but if they still used the A6 after 1969, then I could have the best of both worlds, keep the A6 and relocate it to the driver's side. I just need to find the brackets. That might be the problem I'll encounter. I figured the R4 would be more plentiful in the bone yards, making it an easier conversion.

I will do some research, (unless you know the answer!)

Thanks, Jerry!

TRB on Thu March 20, 2008 9:16 PM User is offlineView users profile

Send me an email address. We have a Seltec compressor mount which fits the older small block engines mounting the compressor on the passenger side. I can email some links with further information.

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CorvairGeek on Thu March 20, 2008 10:03 PM User is offline

The R4 didn't appear on the small block until 1977 (although it came out in '76, maybe I just haven't seen one on a V8) and the A6 was also used into the early 80s. There isn't anything good to say about an R4 (and I own 2 that are original, '84 V8 and '78 I6). Tim has the information if you would like to switch to modern compressor (much, much lighter, more efficient) with great prices and service.

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Jerry

TRB on Thu March 20, 2008 10:10 PM User is offlineView users profile

I'm with you on the R4. Not the best compressor design. Though they have been better then some other models!!!!

-------------------------

When considering your next auto A/C purchase, please consider the site that supports you: ACkits.com
Contact: ACKits.com

CorvairGeek on Thu March 20, 2008 10:31 PM User is offline

Yep, no one had to build a clone to bolt in place of an R4! At least rough and noisy cools
I wonder if they were considered a "premium" product when you got one on a Mercedes


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Jerry

GM Tech on Fri March 21, 2008 10:38 AM User is offline

R-4 and 134a was a bad combination-- '94 and '95 GM trucks are proof- lots and lots of replacements for noise- the internal yokes wear terribly with 134a........


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The number one A/C diagnostic tool there is- is to know how much refrigerant is in the system- this can only be done by recovering and weighing the refrigerant!!
Just a thought.... 65% of A/C failures in my 3200 car diagnostic database (GM vehicles) are due to loss of refrigerant due to a leak......

CorvairGeek on Fri March 21, 2008 12:09 PM User is offline

I was stunned when I saw a '95 Suburban 454 with dual air and an R4. My brother in law's dual air conversion van (early 134a, 3/4T GMC)has been a problem from the day it was new.

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Jerry

steve325is on Fri March 21, 2008 12:58 PM User is offline

Quote
Originally posted by: CorvairGeek
and the A6 was also used into the early 80s.

+1 on that. I had one of the "clackers", an A6/CCOT system on a 1977 GMC K1500 with a SB 400. The compressor was on the driver's side, and a real "nut buster" to move it out of the way to access the valve cover. It was still a bulletproof system though.

-- Steve



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