1966 327 A/C condenser repair/replacement

[Tim T.]

Another post on C2 a/c CONDENSERS. Trying to rescue an a/c system in 66 SB 327/300hp. After reading some earlier posts on 64-65 condensers. Seems like the original 66 327 condenser is extinct. L.I.C. is no longer selling their repro version. I've spoken with Classic Auto Air about restoration of mine they claim to be able to Flush,test,straighten fins,paint.for approx $250. Old Air Products has a replacement 66-67 condensor for $360 Earlier posts make that sound like it is only"'correct" for 427 cars. Anyone work with these vendors/parts recently? Thanks DRIVE EM IF YA GOT EM!! SAVE DA WAVE

[Leif A.]

Re: 1966 327 A/C condenser repair/replacement

Tim,
If your current A6 is original to your car and you're trying to stay original, see if you can get Domenic Tallaritta to restore it for you. It will be better than new. If originality is not an issue, Alma Products makes an A6 that is virtually identical to the original...albeit with metric fittings.

[Mike B.]

Re: 1966 327 A/C condenser repair/replacement

Hi Tim,

I've had a couple of threads on this very same subject. Instead of me posting photos of authentic '66 small block condensers, would you be able to post a couple of shots of this '66 condenser you're referring to? The side brackets and tubing are quite unique. The reason I ask this of you is to ensure you're not dealing with a later replacement unit. This will get us started in the right direction. Then hopefully we'll come up with possible solutions to your questions.

Mike

[Leif A.]

Re: 1966 327 A/C condenser repair/replacement

Tim,
If your current A6 is original to your car and you're trying to stay original, see if you can get Domenic Tallaritta to restore it for you. It will be better than new. If originality is not an issue, Alma Products makes an A6 that is virtually identical to the original...albeit with metric fittings.

Tim,
Disregard my earlier post. I read "condenser" as "compressor"...dyslexia kicked in again.

[Tim T.]

Re: 1966 327 A/C condenser repair/replacement

HI Leif, My compressor is on its way to Dom now.

[Tim T.]

Re: 1966 327 A/C condenser repair/replacement

HI Mike, I have some of your previous posts on condensers. Appreciate you sharing your knowledge. I live in HI but my car is being restored in MI. I am in contact with the shop there frequently. I will request some pics of the 2 condensers I have there, One removed during disassembly and one swap meet find. Hoping that 1 of them maybe ok. If not i need to come up with a plan B if possible..

[Mike B.]

Re: 1966 327 A/C condenser repair/replacement

Hi Tim,

I look forward to your pics. I can definitely identify your condensers if they're C2 originals.

I second Leif's suggestion to have Dom restore your compressor. Dom did a fantastic job on my compressor. Actually it was his compressor. I sent him a '65 core but he had a much better early '66 dated unit that he restored then sold to me. I couldn't be happier!

[Harry S.]

Re: 1966 327 A/C condenser repair/replacement

I certainly support Dom. He did my 63 compressor. A work of art that has been excellent in performance. I sealed my drier and sent it to him to verify the desiccant was adequate. He is ready to answer questions at any time.

[Tim T.]

Re: 1966 327 A/C condenser repair/replacement

9093.jpg9094.jpgIMG_9096.jpgIMG_9097.jpgMike, First 2 pics are the one we removed from car. 2nd pics are swap meet find.

[Mike B.]

Re: 1966 327 A/C condenser repair/replacement

Good Morning Tim,

Thanks for posting these shots of your condensers. I'll add them to my archives of genuine 1966 Corvette small block condensers. The '66 small block unit is unique to the production year.

Believe me Tim, I'm no expert but I've educated myself about the differences between the C2 AC condensers. Especially the differences between the two condensers used during '66 production. The main reason for my research was that I initially thought that my condenser wasn't original to my car.

My December 1st '65 built 1966 427/390hp AC convertible came with small block condenser #3895907 just like yours. This unit has very noticeable wide side mount brackets. Since this condenser's fin area wasn't as wide as the big block condenser #3891735 it needed these style brackets to reach the 29 1/2" inch mounting holes in the support. The big block condenser side brackets are much more narrow.

Through my research I've found that earlier '66 big block AC cars may have come factory delivered with the small block condenser installed. Mine did. I've got an NCRS friend who has a beautiful early '66 L-36 AC coupe that came with a small block unit as well. He's owned that car for about 52 years now and the condenser is original to his car. I plan on reinstalling a restored '66 small block condenser on my '66 AC L-36 just as the factory did.

The reason I'm telling you and your readers out there this info is that you have 2 condensers for small and big block '66 Corvettes. Well, at least for some of the earlier '66 L-36 cars. What's also worth noting is that the wider L-36 condenser #3891735 was used throughout '66 production and it was used exclusively on all 1967 small and big block Corvettes.

Well Tim, the ball's in your court now since you're ahead of me with your '66 condenser. Your swap meet found unit is very nice. It still has it's original inspection sticker. Your idea of using an original sent through Classic Auto Air sounds like a good idea. I need to find out who and where to send my best one to. I'm at the beginning stage of researching where it's going to go.

Let us know how it all works out. Any tips for me would be much appreciated! Mike

Post edit:

Tim,

When I send my condenser out to be restored I will only send the condenser itself. I will have removed all side brackets and clips. I would be furious to have my condenser come back to me with aftermarket hardware installed. Original '66 condenser hardware is VERY difficult to find. Mike

'66 AIM Condenser Scan.jpg

[Tim T.]

Re: 1966 327 A/C condenser repair/replacement

Mike, That's good news, WOW I'm thrilled I found the right part. Da Blind Squirrel found a NUT. Have my name on the repair list at Classic Auto Air, backed up approx 2 months on repair side. Hope to hear from them by Thanksgiving!! There is an A/C shop nearby in MI, we'll have both cores tested and see what they find out. I will keep you posted on my progress. Thanks to all who posted to this thread. ALOHA

[Mike B.]

Re: 1966 327 A/C condenser repair/replacement

Tim,

Here's the small block condenser #3895907 that was factory installed on my '66 big block. Yes, you found a nice one at that swap meet!

Good luck with your resto. Mike

'66 SB Condenser Front.jpg'66 SB Condenser Back.jpg