AC Condenser Restoration

[Tom K.]

Hello All, I am looking for advice on restoring my AC condenser. I should be able to get the thing rigged up for a pressure test shortly, if that pans out I will try to go further. What can be done to straighten the fins? Is there a way to clean the thing out?
Thanks in advance for your time


Tom Krause

[Tom L.]

Re: AC Condenser Restoration

There are 2 ways. Buy a fin comb and do you're best to get the fins straight, not fun or very effective. Second, for the fins that are closed over the others, use a small straight blade screwdriver to open the gap between them. Once they are all open get a couple of small pieces of sheet metal, 2 x 2" or so. Put one piece on each side of each fin, squeeze, straighten and move to the next section of each fin. When done it will be good, just won't have the corrugated factory look. But who can get into that area with everything intact to get a good look. In terms of function, this is how I did mine on my LS5, it works just fine. Good luck!!

[Tom K.]

Re: AC Condenser Restoration

Thanks for the tip!
I will give it a try. Did you paint your condenser satin black afterwards?

[Mark E.]

Re: AC Condenser Restoration

Yes, paint it. I heard there's special heat-transferring radiator paint that's available. But I doubt it makes much difference. When painting, remember more coats = less effective heat transfer. So keep coverage minimal.

Most radiator shops can pressure test a condenser for you.

[Tom K.]

Re: AC Condenser Restoration

Thanks Mark,

I may do that because as it happens my radiator is in the shop for a re-core now. I would love to put this all back together in one go.
At the local chain type auto parts store, I found some VHT brand GM satin black drive train paint supposedly more chemically resistant etc. Sounds like it should be as good as most any other. I really appreciate all the help!

Tom

[Michael B.]

Re: AC Condenser Restoration

Tom,

Consider flushing the condenser before reinstalling. You can rent a flush kit at most auto parts stores. The kit is basically a small cylinder that you put a solvent in and them attach to an air compressor. It is recommended to flush in the opposite direction of refrigerant flow as this supposedly helps to loosen and dislodge trapped particles.

It would be an excellent idea to flush the entire a/c system while you're at it as I'm guessing your system has been exposed to the atmosphere. Refrigerant oil becomes acidic when exposed to air. It would be much better for all your components to start from scratch with an empty and clean system.

Mike

[Tom K.]

Re: AC Condenser Restoration

Thanks Mike,
I will check that out - the previous owner had the belt off the compressor for quite a long time, and there was zero pressure at the schrader valve when I started this project, so there is a lot of work to do to get the A/C functioning correctly. I have the compressor out and ready for a rebuild. I will be getting the rest of the lines out soon as well. Is there anything I can put in the lines to keep them from corroding anymore than they probably already have? Should I just buy plugs with the same fitting threads and close off the lines to protect the inside of them until I get everything done and ready to reinstall? Or is that over thinking this a bit....

[Gary J.]

Re: AC Condenser Restoration

Eastwood sells paint for the radiator, should be good enough for the condenser too.

[Patrick H.]

Re: AC Condenser Restoration

Eastwood sells paint for the radiator, should be good enough for the condenser too.

They also sell the "comb" as well as a pliers to help straighten fins.
The radiator paint is nice stuff.

[Russ S.]

Re: AC Condenser Restoration

The stuff to put in the lines to keep them from corroding would be the proper AC oil for whatever refrigerant you are planning to use. You would need to blow it in in order to get it fully coated.

[Tom K.]

Re: AC Condenser Restoration

If the oil becomes acidic when exposed to the air would that create more problems? Or should I put the oil in and cap the ends of the lines? It will be a while before the A/C system is back together.

[Russ S.]

Re: AC Condenser Restoration

Definitely seal it up after flushing and adding oil. It would be even better if you pull a vacuum on it.

[Michael B.]

Re: AC Condenser Restoration

Tom,

You're going to have to put some thought into this system. The C3's are a/c challenged to begin with because of several issues. Most importantly is the poor air flow across the condenser and radiator because of their slanted orientation. This plays a part in deciding to go with the original R12, or convert to R134a. R12 is expensive but cools better in these systems, some estimate as much as 20% better. R134a is an excellent refrigerant in systems designed for it but it runs at higher pressure and requires better cooling at the condenser. That can be a problem in C3's.

The defining factor is your climate. If your summers are hot and humid I'd recommend R12. If a/c is only an occasional use you'll probably be fine with R134a.

I would recommend flushing your system, blowing it out with compressed air, and then capping the lines until you're ready to reinstall the system. At that time put 6 oz. of oil in the compressor, 3 oz. in the evaporator, 1 oz. in the dryer, and 1 oz. in the condenser. Pull a vacuum on the system for about 30 minutes to ensure all moisture is removed, charge with refrigerant, and you're off to the races.

Keep watching Craigslist for R12. The asking prices are high but they're having trouble selling the stuff as most people have converted to R134a. I recently bought a 30 lb. bottle, half full, for $150.00. Considering a full charge on my 72 takes 3.25 lbs, that will last a lot of years. I also bought an old Snap On A/C machine for $300.00 that captures, filters, and recharges the system. Check with your local auto shops as they often have an old R12 machine they no longer use.

Be careful on who you use for your compressor rebuild as most re-builders simply paint the case and reseal it. They say the gut pack is so well lubricated it doesn't need to be taken apart. Don't believe it. Just today I disassembled a unit that looked perfect and found a problem. Dominic Tallrita 760-831-2095, dtallerita1@aol.com is your guy for the compressor rebuild. He'll be sure that all the internal workings are withing tolerances and you'll get new bearings. None of the other places do that as far as I know.

Mike