78 a/c compressor overhaul?

[Mike F.]

A buddy of mine (a new NCRS member) just bought a 78 SA Edition with 1477 miles on it. The a/c compressor is leaking and needs rebuilt. He says he can't find anyone rebuilding them. Any ideas?

TIA,
Mike

[Bob S.]

Re: 78 a/c compressor overhual?

Classic Auto Air in Tampa FL is one of the go-to rebuilders (www.classicautoair.com) for classic/vintage A/C parts and rebuilding. They have the A6 compressor from my '67 right now; I can't comment on the end result since I don't have it back yet, but they've been very responsive in all communication.

[Larry M.]

Re: 78 a/c compressor overhual?

A buddy of mine (a new NCRS member) just bought a 78 SA Edition with 1477 miles on it. The a/c compressor is leaking and needs rebuilt. He says he can't find anyone rebuilding them. Any ideas?

TIA,
Mike

The compressor probably doesn't need rebuilding, but only needs a new front seal. These are not that hard to do if you (or friend) have mechanical abilities. Perhaps, a refrigerant recharge and just running the compressor a bit will fix the problem. Non-use may be the biggest issue here. A refrigerant charge will eventually leak out after 30+ years……it just will.

Is the compressor an A-6 or the newer R-4 type?? If A-6, I recommend contacting Domenic Tallarita (current NCRS member) at 760-831-2095. Dom has an excellent reputation. Lives in California. He may also do the R-4s, but not certain. I would talk to him if you do not want to tackle the job yourself. Even if you send it out, you will still need to replace the drier and charge the system with refrigerant. Who will do this?? If you find a local shop, they may also be able to repair or re-seal the compressor.

Classic Auto Air in Florida and Old Air Products in Texas also do this repair work, but I have heard mixed results lately regarding their work on these old compressors. But they are a source of AC system repairs and parts if needed.

My personal feeling is if you have an old factory AC car, you get the tools and books and learn to be your own AC mechanic. You can also get an on-line certification that lets you legally buy and use the old refrigerants.

There is a lot of good AC system repair info in the archives. You can search under my name to help, as I have been involved in many/most of these discussions.

Larry

EDIT: On the Corvette Forum C2 Section, 62Jeff made an OUTSTANDING video on how to replace a compressor front seal. Mechron and myself assisted Jeff in this endeavor. The free video shows basic 1-2-3-4…….steps with accompanying color photos on how to successfully do this job. Jeff became a Tech Contributor to the forum because of this work. FWIW.

[Tom R.]

Re: 78 a/c compressor overhual?

Is the compressor an A-6 or the newer R-4 type?

Late model C3s (1977-82) were shipped with the R-4 style compressor. Most of 1976 production were installed with the A-6 style...the change in production was late in the 1976 model year.

[Larry M.]

Re: 78 a/c compressor overhual?

Late model C3s (1977-82) were shipped with the R-4 style compressor. Most of 1976 production were installed with the A-6 style...the change in production was late in the 1976 model year.

[Tom R.]

Re: 78 a/c compressor overhual?

Tom:

That's also what I remember…….regarding Corvettes. My 1978 Z/28 Camaro (purchased new) had the A-6, so I know GM was in the process of changing things during this time for the different models. But thanks for the confirmation.

Yeah...we've come across a few 76s during judging with A-6s and had to go back to the manual to check the shift in production. I am much more accustomed to viewing R-4s.