Correct A/C Manifold Port Caps

[Dick W.]

Re: Correct A/C Manifold Port Caps

Wayne - I've found the hex-nut Schrader valve caps with the WeatherHead logo, and both of the configurations of the caps that started out this thread on various Chev & other GM
AC manifolds on A6 Frigidaire compressors. Personally, I think you can "pick your poison" when it comes to which one was the cap "du jour" for that day, production run, or year; but trying to figure out what was used after 40-50 years is what make this hobby fun. Pete

But if you get an anal retentive judge you would be very safe with the domed cap. No, I ain't a judgin' no mo'

[Peter L.]

Re: Correct A/C Manifold Port Caps

???????? Who's supposed to have the "domed cap."

[Terry M.]

Re: Correct A/C Manifold Port Caps

Agree, Dick -- without chem analysis . This might have been discussed in years past.

Here's a service AC manifold / muffler I have -- believe it is the 1968 part # as that was all that was available from the General in the early '90s. It's NOS, in the sense that it's been installed (for appearance) on a compressor, but never seen Freon .

The plating is (now) even darker than I remember a decade ago. I get the impression you could rub it off entirely with little effort.

Close-up is of what I think is a Weatherhead stamping (going by the hex and the feather tail of an arrow) -- any thoughts ?

Also I can now make out the hex stamping with the 'W' in a vertical row on the face of the cap in the middle of the first pic.

Here are some more pictures, just for fun.

And yes the plating -- whatever it is -- wears off easily. In fact I have seen many that are polished brass in "those other" car shows.

IMG_0580.jpgIMG_0579.jpg

I will still stick by my tin or zinc opinion. After all the plating in this case was only for appearance. The brass is not about to corrode -- or at least not much in anyone's lifetime. They were only plated so they would blend with the manifold block they are mounted on. You could tell when the bean counters took over the company because those caps became black plastic. Appearance was secondary to cost.

[Dick W.]

Re: Correct A/C Manifold Port Caps

???????? Who's supposed to have the "domed cap."

Not me Peter, I have a tinfoil cap

[Wayne M.]

Re: Correct A/C Manifold Port Caps

Here's one more for you guys. Decided to check cap on an early '64 compressor w/label 6550133, with rear head "302" cast date J_18_3. Swap meet purchase, supposedly off a '64 Chev passenger.

I've never seen the staggered rows of Weatherhead markings before, on a flat of the hex. Doesn't seem to be any evidence of coating of the brass.

[Peter L.]

Re: Correct A/C Manifold Port Caps

Wayne - Neat find. BTW, next time bring an adjustable wrench & you won't have to haul that "boat anchor" thru the swap meet just to get those Weatherhead caps. Pete

[Paul O.]

Re: Correct A/C Manifold Port Caps

Here are some more photos of the caps and some of the sight glass plug for the receiver/drier.

[Paul O.]

Re: Correct A/C Manifold Port Caps

One more of the plug

[Mike E.]

Re: Correct A/C Manifold Port Caps

Here are pics of one cap off 72 #13199. Two previous owners. Can't tell you that it's the original, but nobody who owned this car cared/knew anything about originality. Just drove it sparingly.P4091873.jpgP4091872.jpgP4091871.jpg

[Christopher K.]

Re: Correct A/C Manifold Port Caps

Wayne - I've found the hex-nut Schrader valve caps with the WeatherHead logo, and both of the configurations of the caps that started out this thread on various Chev & other GM
AC manifolds on A6 Frigidaire compressors. Personally, I think you can "pick your poison" when it comes to which one was the cap "du jour" for that day, production run, or year; but trying to figure out what was used after 40-50 years is what make this hobby fun. Pete

Just for fun here's a pic of the cap that was installed on my a/c manifold when I bought the car in 1984. What I like about this cap is that it has a very nice seal/seat for the valve core. There's a big discussion an the a/c forum about primary and secondary seals on valves. The repro cap in the 3rd pic simply has an O ring installed.

What type of seal is on the originals?

And..... if anyone is interested in parting with a pair of the originals, please send me a pm or email!

Thanks for the great replies to this thread,

[Terry M.]

Re: Correct A/C Manifold Port Caps

Just for fun here's a pic of the cap that was installed on my a/c manifold when I bought the car in 1984. What I like about this cap is that it has a very nice seal/seat for the valve core. There's a big discussion an the a/c forum about primary and secondary seals on valves. The repro cap in the 3rd pic simply has an O ring installed.

What type of seal is on the originals?

And..... if anyone is interested in parting with a pair of the originals, please send me a pm or email!

Thanks for the great replies to this thread,

Chris,

I am pretty sure the originals have the O-ring seal -- just like your third picture. It is best to wait for someone who actually has one to0 comment since all I have are pictures and my memory from years ago.

[Dick W.]

Re: Correct A/C Manifold Port Caps

The caps in Chris's photos used o rings, the cap in Reverend Mike's photo is a female flare (AN or JIC I believe 45 degree) and used flare to flare to seal. No o rings used

[Christopher K.]

Re: Correct A/C Manifold Port Caps

The caps in Chris's photos used o rings, the cap in Reverend Mike's photo is a female flare (AN or JIC I believe 45 degree) and used flare to flare to seal. No o rings used

Thanks Dick, I had no idea it was a flare fitting, very interesting. Now I just need to find some