Airconditioner Condensers

[Greg S.]

I am looking for an original A/C condenser for my 75. Are all C3 A/C Condensers the same? If not, are any other years the same as 75s. I was told that the readily available replacements may not have connections for fluid in the right place. My original is MIA. Before I start search I want to know what may be compatible with what I am looking for.

[Larry M.]

Re: Airconditioner Condensers

I am looking for an original A/C condenser for my 75. Are all C3 A/C Condensers the same? If not, are any other years the same as 75s. I was told that the readily available replacements may not have connections for fluid in the right place. My original is MIA. Before I start search I want to know what may be compatible with what I am looking for.

Paragon sells one for 1973-1982 Corvettes. Since they are an excellent company, and also know original parts, I would call them and ask how close their condenser is to original. https://www.paragoncorvette.com/p-35...condenser.aspx

[Joe L.]

Re: Airconditioner Condensers

I am looking for an original A/C condenser for my 75. Are all C3 A/C Condensers the same? If not, are any other years the same as 75s. I was told that the readily available replacements may not have connections for fluid in the right place. My original is MIA. Before I start search I want to know what may be compatible with what I am looking for.

Greg------

Not all C3 condensers are the same. However, 1974-82 were the same and were of GM #3028820. If you could find an NOS example of one of those, you'd have the exact part originally installed on your car.

GM #3028820 was discontinued in June, 2000 and replaced by GM #12490542 which remains available from GM to this day. I have no information that the 12490542 is anything less than a direct fit replacement for the 3028820. The GM #12490542 is NOT a consolidated part number, "one-size-fits-all" part. It is uniquely applicable only to the 73-82 Corvette applications.

By the way, you should be able to buy the 12490542, aka Delco #15-6100, through competitive Delco dealers for not too much more than 200 bucks.

[Greg S.]

Re: Airconditioner Condensers

Thanks for the info. Interestingly the Paragon item in the catalog lists GM part number 3028820 for the condenser instead of 12490542. Doubt it is an NOS original part. Maybe just using reference number of original part? Not having an original part to compare I will need to look at another 74-82 to see where connections are made.