64 air coupe

[Richard E.]

Having never owned a C2 with factory air, what questions should be asked about the cars air conditioning system when one is considering purchase of a 64 coupe with factory air?

What should a person watch out for or be aware of such as:
Can the new refrigerants be used with existing components? What components need replacement & are they available? Would all hoses need replacing? How has the system been previously charged?

Are there technical issues that a person should be aware of, problems he should expect etc? Any comments are appreciated.

Also, did the 64 air coupes come with a factory installed rear window fan?

Thanks in advance for all comments.

[John H.]

Re: 64 air coupe

Also, did the 64 air coupes come with a factory installed rear window fan?

Thanks in advance for all comments.

Richard -

Yes, all '64 coupes came with the rear ventilation blower, except those equipped with the N03 36-gallon fuel tank.

[Richard E.]

Re: 64 air coupe

Thanks much John, I thought possibly the air cars did not get the rear blower unit. Appreciate the response.

[Bob H.]

Re: 64 air coupe

Richard:

After getting by how well it works, I would want to know if it has been converted to 134 or still uses R12. If R12 I would want to know the last time charged and if R12 was used. There are some substitutes that many feel are dangerous.

As a precaution, check the underside of the hood above the front seal area of the compressor for any sign of leakage that has been slung on the hood. If there is be cautious that it can soak through the hood and ruib a great paint job. As a precaution I would buy an aftermarket shield that fits over the pulley assembly and helps prevent any leak causing damage to the hood.

Maybe others can comment further.

Bob

[Richard E.]

Re: 64 air coupe

Bob; Thank you very much. These are exactly the type of comments / suggestions I am looking for. I have no experience with the air cars and wonder if I should pass on them if they are more of a liability from a maintenance standpoint. I'm told the air system "blows cold but needs a recharge", seems pretty much the standard comment from anyone selling a used air Corvette or any other air equipped car.

[Bob H.]

Re: 64 air coupe

They can be a pain as I have had 4 of them over the years. Always thought it was a must here in Florida. They will improve your overall mechanical skills!! I have now discovered the windows and vents!

They can be expensive to repair and I have had a real problem with keeping the compressors from leaking even though I have a shop that will still replace seals in them. I know there are new compressors but they are junk and the last couple I saw had metric threads on them and leaked after a short time. Don't know why when they worked fairly well years ago.

If you want a driver, then you can obtain other parts needed at reasonable costs and it may be worth it. If it is a nice car, don't put any value for the air and get it. You can always fix it later and it may pay when selling it, if it works. Most leaks are certainly repairable but I just hate the compressors slinging oil and have really had bad luck with them.

I know this will make some members cringe, but if you get it and it is going to be a driver, consider putting a new style compressor on it. They will freeze you out and are reliable.

Others may disagree but that is my opinion.

Sincerely,
Bob

[Richard E.]

Re: 64 air coupe

Bob,
I respect your honesty Bob, I'm interested in all opinions, especially first hand experience! I don't "need" air conditioning (northern Michigan) at least not for 360 days out of the year,the car is decent and it just happens to have factory air. I'm sure no one in my immediate area is equipped to work the old air systems so I will be on my own for repairs. Thank you.

Regards,
Rich

[Don H.]

Re: 64 air coupe

Rich,
I have had a couple and still have one. I have had pretty good luck over the years but do all my own maintenance. I prefer R-12 as the 134 just didn't work as well. I use Classic Auto Air in Florida for parts. Good luck, Don H.

[Bob H.]

Re: 64 air coupe

Richard:

One final note is that if you get it working, it's my understanding that it's important to run that compressor on a regular basis to cycle the fluids and keep the seals lubricated. May be more of a challenge in Mich rather than Fl. I've been told non use is a major factor in causing problems.

Bob

[Mike G.]

Re: 64 air coupe

Rich:

Before sealing the deal, have the system charged up and checked for leaks. The primary concern is the evaporator. Replacing it is really an ugly job. The other components are straightforward to R&R.

Also, make sure the suction throttle valve is there and has the little plastic altitude compensator mounted on the bottom end. These parts are not reproduced. All the other system components are available and reasonably priced.

To do your own maintenance and repairs, roughly $750 will get you equipped with the tools & equipment. Vacuum pump, leak detector, compressor tools, manuals, etc. R12 is still around for $15-$20 a can, so I would stick with it versus R134 or "Freeze 12".

So having an A/C car is not a casual relationship. But once you understand what's going on and are prepared to deal with it, it's a neat feature to have.