'72 454 A/C Hose assembly repair

[Randall K.]

Hi - have run into a similar issue that Norm Culbert posted on 9/4/08 regarding A/C hose repair/replacement. One of the hoses has ruptured - and it's connected to the original block-style manifold, which I'd like to keep around.

Can anyone recommend a shop in the St. Louis area (or anywhere else for that matter) that I could convince to repair/replace the hoses and maintain the original appearing crimps?

I'll check out the local AC Delco shops as well, as recommended by Terry McManmon.

Thanks in advance.
Randy

[Jay G.]

Re: '72 454 A/C Hose assembly repair

Randal,

Pat Kolis and myself have discussed this and it seems like there isn't anyone who can/will recreate the original crimps. I'm not sure if it's even possible due to the way that the original fittings were created. If you truly have an original hose assembly you will see that the crimp is part of the fitting and not a seperate piece. The only way that you would be able to recreate the "look" is by cutting off the old crimp and welding on a new piece but then you would still have the weld mark which wouldn't look original either.

There are two places that seem to come up in discussions about rebuilding old hoses; Old Air Products in Fort Worth, TX and Classic Auto Air in Tampa, FL. Both offer rebuilding services but I am sure that there are many other local guys who can do the same work.

Regards,

Jay

[Dick W.]

Re: '72 454 A/C Hose assembly repair

The crimp could be duplicated if someone would have a set of two piece crimping dies made. Probably cost somewhere between $500 and $1,000 to have a set of short run dies made. Now to find someone that has a crimping machine that would loan you a set of dies to duplicate the outside and width. More work that this old man wants to do anymore.

[Randall K.]

Re: '72 454 A/C Hose assembly repair

Nothing is ever easy - or cheap...

Have contacted Classic Auto Air and Old Air to see what they offer in terms of replacement or repair.

I'll post my findings when they come in, as I'm sure there are others that will have the same problem - eventually!

Thanks
Randy

[Jay G.]

Re: '72 454 A/C Hose assembly repair

The crimp could be duplicated if someone would have a set of two piece crimping dies made. Probably cost somewhere between $500 and $1,000 to have a set of short run dies made. Now to find someone that has a crimping machine that would loan you a set of dies to duplicate the outside and width. More work that this old man wants to do anymore.

Dick,

It is more than just the style of the crimp. I have attached a picture that Pat Kolis originally posted that shows a portion of the original fitting. The crimp is just barely visible on the left hand side fitting but if you take a close look, the crimped portion is part of the whole compressor manifold. You would need to cut off that portion of the fitting and attach (weld) a new portion on that hasn't been crimped yet.

Pat, My apologizies in advance for using one of your pictures without asking.

Regards,

Jay

[Pat K.]

Re: '72 454 A/C Hose assembly repair

Dick,

It is more than just the style of the crimp. I have attached a picture that Pat Kolis originally posted that shows a portion of the original fitting. The crimp is just barely visible on the left hand side fitting but if you take a close look, the crimped portion is part of the whole compressor manifold. You would need to cut off that portion of the fitting and attach (weld) a new portion on that hasn't been crimped yet.

Pat, My apologizies in advance for using one of your pictures without asking.

Regards,

Jay

Jay,

No problem on the pic. BTW - I just sent my original AC line off to be rebuilt. I decided to sacrifice (really no choice) functionality over correctness. Granted I have a convertible, but on 95+ degree days it sure will be nice to have the top up.

Pat

[Jay G.]

Re: '72 454 A/C Hose assembly repair

Pat,

I'm still a few steps behind you with my A/C rebuild but would be interested to see a few pictures of the finished product when you get the hose assembly back.

Also, thanks for the pass on the copyright violation.

Regards,

Jay

[Randall K.]

Re: '72 454 A/C Hose assembly repair

Jay,

No problem on the pic. BTW - I just sent my original AC line off to be rebuilt. I decided to sacrifice (really no choice) functionality over correctness. Granted I have a convertible, but on 95+ degree days it sure will be nice to have the top up.

Pat

Hi Pat - where are you sending your line to for a rebuild?

Thanks
Randy