Who Restores AC Hoses

[Dennis H.]

Hi

I have a set of 73 AC hoses that need to be restored, looking for a company that can restore these to NCRS judging standards or as close to that as one can get these days.

I have had no luck communicating with Classic Air Auto in Tampa FL, applied for and got a Project Request Number about six months ago but that's about it. Any other companies out there that provide this service?

Thanks
Dennis

[Mark E.]

Re: Who Restores AC Hoses

Check out www.oldairproducts.com

[David M.]

Re: Who Restores AC Hoses

I see you contacted Classic Auto Air. Did you try calling them? I ALWAYS have better luck on the phone.

They did all the hoses on my "nut-n-bolt" 68 442, 23 years ago, and they did a very nice job. But a lot can happen to a company in 23 years. Handed down or sold to someone who may run it into the ground simply due to lack of ethic.

They cut off all of the OEM factory ends and re welded them to new crimps then re-crimped to new hoses. They cut open & re-welded the dryer etc. Very nice work...23 years ago.

Vintage Auto Air is another one I've herd good things about...in the past.

Get a quote in writing with a guarantee whom ever you decide to go with. Make sure they know the level of restoration work you want.
If I remember correctly these companies also stock will-fit replacements without OEM ends, which you don't want for judging.

[Dennis H.]

Re: Who Restores AC Hoses

I will call Classic Auto Air today before I move on to other vendors. I went out to the Old Air Products website and they have replacement AC hoses for a 1973 Vette but are not correct in appearance.

Also didn't see any mention on their website that Classic Auto Air or Old Air Products offers any AC hose restoration.

[David H.]

Re: Who Restores AC Hoses

Dennis

A/C Hoses, Pipes, and Clamps are 8 points Originality and 5 points Condition on your 1973. Originality for these components are evaluated via C.D.C.I.F. Matrix judging. (Configuration / Date / Completeness / Installation / Finish)

Each C.D.C.I.F. area carries a 20% deduction. e.g. A component with Configuration, Date, and Finish issues would generate a 60% deduction for Originality. If this component carried 10 Originality points, then it would receive a 6 point Originality deduction.

Originality is judged first. If at least 10% of Originality points remain, then Condition is judged.

If that "at least 10%" criteria is met, then, as a "new" component, there would be no deduction for Condition.

Something to consider in your quest is cost per point.

Cost delta between a "no deduct" and a "reasonably good" component. Points gained vs cost.

4500 points in Flight Judging, "Top Flight" can lose 270 points.

Operations point deductions can pile up in a hurry. Money spent, ensuring things work, may pay more dividend that a "no deduct" component elsewhere.

For C3, 25 points per line. e.g. Cigarette lighter inop - 25 point deduction.

Something to consider.

Dave

[Dennis H.]

Re: Who Restores AC Hoses

Dave

I agree that points gained vs cost is something to consider but my OCD has always defaulted to trying to keep stuff correct as it was delivered or as close to that as I can get as it relates to a 50 year old used Chevy. My 73 is about 90%ish as delivered from GM and has 47K original miles. Last two major items to address are the AC system (going back to R-12) and A.I.R. pump (I have all the original parts that were pulled off the car). The only things that come to mind that are not as delivered from GM in 1973 are the Calipers, Shocks, Tires, battery, engine heads (have originals), fuel sending unit and paint.

As far as NCRS judging goes that is something I have wanted to do but given my location (North Alabama) this is really not a thing here, my NCRS Chapter is two states over so that is a long drive. Still rolling that marble around in my brain.

I hear you loud and clear on the operations point deduction, that is still on my list to run through once I get all the nickel and dime stuff worked out. Off the top of my head I know the clock doesn't work, fuel gauge has a mind of its own, temp gauge won't go past 150 degrees, TSC system is bypassed, exhaust flapper wired open, one speaker doesn't work and not sure if the air induction solenoid is working. On a positive note my cigarette lighter works. HA

Dennis

[David H.]

Re: Who Restores AC Hoses

Dennis

If you have original components, in this case hoses, is replacement because they don't work, or they don't look good?

If they work, but don't look good (wear), then there is no deduction for Originality, but would likely get a Condition deduction.

In general, if given a choice between deductions for Originality and deductions for Condition, fewer points lost with hits on Condition.

Dave

p.s. Would things be different if you lived in L.A.? (Lower Alabama)

[Dennis H.]

Re: Who Restores AC Hoses

Dave

In my case I have the original AC hoses that came on the car in 1973 that have been modified I'm guessing due to a hose rupture and/or R-134 conversion. I also have a set of OEM original hoses from a 1973 Corvette that has a ruptured hose due to exhaust manifold heat. This issue was addressed in GM TB 74-T-41. So either way I'm looking at hose restoration before I convert back to R-12.

As for NCRS and Lower Alabama haven't looked into how active that area of Alabama is, just inquired around Huntsville AL and didn't find any info on the subject.

[Harry S.]

Re: Who Restores AC Hoses

[QUOTE=Dennis Hendrix (44677);934140]Dave

In my case I have the original AC hoses that came on the car in 1973 that have been modified I'm guessing due to a hose rupture and/or R-134 conversion. I also have a set of OEM original hoses from a 1973 Corvette that has a ruptured hose due to exhaust manifold heat. This issue was addressed in GM TB 74-T-41. So either way I'm looking at hose restoration before I convert back to R-12.

As for NCRS and Lower Alabam

Dennis, when I re-did the A/C on my 63 I was unable to simply remove the Freon hoses. I had to cut them off. Saying that, are your hoses the proper length. You may be looking at replacement rather than restoration. I'm not sure I would try to restore 50 year old rubber anyway.

[Dennis H.]

Re: Who Restores AC Hoses

Harry

From a restoration standpoint (as I understand it) Classic Auto Air will re-use/restore the 'hard" fittings and replace the rubber hose section.

Dennis

[Bob D.]

Re: Who Restores AC Hoses

Old Air Products did the same for me. Reused my fittings and attached new hoses for my '71

Bob