'66 AC Restoration Issues

[Joseph S.]

In the process of restoring the air conditioning on my 66 L36 Convertible. Since the system hasn't operated in some time I've been going through the entire system and was planning on having the compressor, POA and expansion valve reconditioned. Have contacted Original Air Group multiple times, however, they seem to have quite a lot of backlog and are a bit unresponsive. Are there any other AC component restoration firms that do high quality restoration work?
In addition I have been trying to determine the color tone of the original behind and under dash ductwork. Aftermarket pieces seem to be a semigloss black. Much of the ductwork and plenum chamber in the car seems to be a dark steel gray color, although some pieces are high gloss black. Input or references would be appreciated. Joe

[Vernon S.]

Re: '66 AC Restoration Issues

Joseph, I used Classic Auto Air when I had my 66 apart for restoration. I sent them all my components and was very happy with the results. I believe they are located in Florida and Texas.

Skip

[Larry M.]

Re: '66 AC Restoration Issues

Send A6 compressor to Dom Tallarita in California. There is no one else as good as he is on these units.

Simply test POA and TXV. If they work, re-install them as is. TXV has a screen in the inlet that should be replaced. They are a bit rare to find, but can be found if you search. You could also source a new or rebuilt POA if yours is badly deteriorated or does not work.

Classic Auto Air (Florida) can certainly rebuild and replate an old POA, but NOS and rebuilt/used as available and will do nicely for you as long as they test out. Their TXV "rebuild/restoration" is mostly cosmetic.

Larry

[Harry S.]

Re: '66 AC Restoration Issues

Didn't 66 use an STV. I thought the POA started in 67. If you have an STV, that can be easily rebuilt by you. The finish may be a concern. I have not been able to find anyone that can rebuild a TXV. It's easy to test. When warm blow through it, as it will be open. Put it in the freezer for 1/2 hour then try to blow through it. It should be closed and not let air through. As it warms in your hand it will open. Also, send Dom your Drier to test it. Seal it well for shipping.

Also test your hot water shut off valve. It is vacuum operated. If it fails open, just a little, you will not get really cold air when the AC is on. You start looking for an AC problem and what you really have is a hot water problem. Don't ask me how I know.

[Larry M.]

Re: '66 AC Restoration Issues

Didn't 66 use an STV. I thought the POA started in 67. If you have an STV, that can be easily rebuilt by you. The finish may be a concern. I have not been able to find anyone that can rebuild a TXV. It's easy to test. When warm blow through it, as it will be open. Put it in the freezer for 1/2 hour then try to blow through it. It should be closed and not let air through. As it warms in your hand it will open. Also, send Dom your Drier to test it. Seal it well for shipping.

Also test your hot water shut off valve. It is vacuum operated. If it fails open, just a little, you will not get really cold air when the AC is on. You start looking for an AC problem and what you really have is a hot water problem. Don't ask me how I know.

Harry:

Good points. I missed the 1966 and POA (likely OP mistake) since it is still early. . . But just recently I did help a 67 owner with a 66 STV installed, so you never know what some cars have anymore.

Original rebuilt driers can be purchased from PacecarJeff in Florida............but both Classic Auto Air (Florida) and Old Air Products (Texas) can do them.

The TXV test you mentioned is a good one, but we have developed a very very comprehensive test for TXV based on old 1950-60 GM information. But it requires a bit of equipment and 2 air sources to do. But it is very good. Credit to Ed Dollar in California for all his efforts in this area.

Larry

[Joseph S.]

Re: '66 AC Restoration Issues

Thanks Skip,
I think Original Air is part of Classic Auto Air Group- and yes I've heard they do excellent restoration work. I think they must be extremely backlogged.

Thanks Joe

[Joseph S.]

Re: '66 AC Restoration Issues

Thanks for input. I found a number for Dom on-line I'll give him a call about the compressor.

I thought some late '66 cars were equipped with POA's. From the the piping and bracket configuration on this car it would seem the POA was original equipment. I will do some testing and work on plating. The heater control valve was plugged solid. Joe

[Peter M.]

Re: '66 AC Restoration Issues

Joe,
What do you plan to do with the evaporator core and the condenser? Test or replace? From your post I assume you are rebuilding/resealing all the under dash and under hood ductwork.
Kind regards

[Gary B.]

Re: '66 AC Restoration Issues

?..

I thought some late '66 cars were equipped with POA's...

[Gary J.]

Re: '66 AC Restoration Issues

My late built, June 19,1966 Corvette had the STV valve. I doubt seriously any left with a POA valve.

[Joseph S.]

Re: '66 AC Restoration Issues

Peter,
Condenser was tested and cleaned, I plan to do the same with the evaporator. Evaporator and heater core boxes have been disassembled resealed and foam insulation replaced (also new heater core). Will replace the rubber hoses and try and reuse original aluminum fittings. Of course new O rings.
Before I broke down the system I performed a vacuum test and it showed a .5 to 1" leak in 24 hours.

Compressor rotates fine but since it hasn't run in some time and there seems to be oil around the front seal it probably should be reworked. Heater control valve will be new or rebuilt, I'm still working on what I should do with the expansion valve and the STV or POA (whichever I have). I've gotten some good feedback on testing.
Also as you noted I'll be reworking the interior ducting.

Any suggestions

Joe

[Joseph S.]

Re: '66 AC Restoration Issues

Thanks, agree with both comments. Thought I read about the possible late year changeover in a JM. Need to get my references straight.
Also I probably need to better understand the visual difference between a POA and STV. Joe

[Larry M.]

Re: '66 AC Restoration Issues

POA valve for 1967 Corvette. Note that there are three (3) different configurations of this valve. This is the correct one.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/203363622535?hash=item2f596a9e87:g:bfsAAOSwsB9WBVW0

PaceCarJeff is a trusted source.

Larry

[Larry M.]

Re: '66 AC Restoration Issues

This is a STV valve for a late 1963-66 Corvette.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/124348349315?hash=item1cf3bd3b83:g:grgAAOSwXYJfakdo

These can generally be rebuilt at home by purchasing a rebuild kit. They perform essentially the same function as the POA and visa versa. In my opinion, the POA is a better product...........although it can also have issues.

Larry

[Bob S.]

Re: '66 AC Restoration Issues

How do I get ahold of Dom Tallarita?