rebuild or replace AC compressor

[Scott S.]

Re: rebuild or replace AC compressor

William - Is the compressor you are looking to rebuild or replace the original 67 Corvette A6? If so, I'd keep it for judging but for driving, I think I'd get a new or rebuilt A6 and keep . Pete

Hi Pete,

If William has the original 1967 A6 compressor, why not have it rebuilt, instead of getting a new or rebuilt A6?

Why would a rebuilt replacement A6 compressor be any better (or worse) than if the original A6 is rebuilt?

The reason I ask is because I have to figure out what to do about my A/C system soon, and was leaning toward having the original 1967 A6 compressor rebuilt with ceramic seals by one of the several A/C vendors. Your post made me wonder about the reason to put the original in storage.

Thanks,
Scott

(P.S. is there no NCRS member who rebuilds these?)

[Larry M.]

Re: rebuild or replace AC compressor

Hi Pete,

If William has the original 1967 A6 compressor, why not have it rebuilt, instead of getting a new or rebuilt A6?

Why would a rebuilt replacement A6 compressor be any better (or worse) than if the original A6 is rebuilt?

The reason I ask is because I have to figure out what to do about my A/C system soon, and was leaning toward having the original 1967 A6 compressor rebuilt with ceramic seals by one of the several A/C vendors. Your post made me wonder about the reason to put the original in storage.

Thanks,
Scott

(P.S. is there no NCRS member who rebuilds these?)

Scott:

I would have the original compressor rebuilt by one of the speciality AC shops mentioned above. Specify a ceramic seal with a felt wick be installed. GM or AC DELCO seal kits have these parts.

Then I would buy the tools to replace future seals yourself. There are a few companies that sell these tools for reasonable $$. This is what I did. When the seals fails, YOU replace it with a GM or AC DELCO ceramic one.

There is also a double-lip seal that is available for the A-6 that is reported to be much better/tighter than the GM or AC DELCO ceramic seal. The cost is cheap if you install yourself.

There are some things that you need to do yourself on the older cars. This is one of them. Either that, or know a GOOD mechanic or have plenty of $$$$$.

New A6 compresors are available (metric threads) for around $500-600. I guess that is a fallback position if all else fails. Old Air Products also sells a PRO6TEN compressor that looks similar to an A6 and supposedly fits with minimal alterations. It is also a modern design and construction. Not certain of cost, but probably a bit less than a new A6.

Larry

[Louie M.]

Re: rebuild or replace AC compressor

I just had the AC system on my 67 thoroughly gone through, including a new compressor. The mechanic recommended "a new AC Delco A6 compressor" so I went with his recommendation, because the shop specializes in vintage AC. When I got the car back the AC worked fine, but I was stunned to see that the mounting holes on the new APCO (NOT "AC Delco") compressor are metric. So, the new metric mounting bolts chewed up the SAE threads on the stock mounting brackets. WHAT!? Not only do the gold cad-plated metric bolts look ridiculous in my stock-looking engine compartment, but now I have to carry metric sockets and wrenches in my 67's tool kit if I ever need to change the AC belt while on a trip. And hope the metric threads do not decide to pull out of the messed-up SAE threads one day in the future while driving 100 miles from home.

I am inclined to have the original compressor rebuilt and put back with its original SAE fasteners. It still is unclear which AC vendor would rebuild my original compressor correctly with an upgraded ceramic seal, so any recommendations will be welcome. Or maybe I'll have the mounting holes on the APCO compressor rethreaded to SAE so I don't have to carry metric tools with me, won't see the stupid-looking gold cad-plated metric bolts, and will spend less money then getting the original compressor rebuilt. The APCO unit cost just over $500 so that is definitely a factor. If the mechanic had mentioned the metric holes I definitely would have had the original compressor rebuilt. Note to self: ALWAYS ask enough questions before committing to a repair.

[Kirk M.]

Re: rebuild or replace AC compressor

I had mine rebuilt by Old Air this past winter. Just make sure they understand you want it kept original using all your old parts. Works great.

Kirk