Sorry, my health has been very poor lately so I have not participated as
usual. My B is in the process of getting a new compressor and clutch
w/coil, so here's some info. All info applies to 1975s and may apply to
other years and may not apply to ALL 75s. The reader assumes all liability,
yada yada.
Compressor:
The AC compressor is a York RotoLoc(square Teflon seal), left hand suction,
the service valves are flare fit.
You can fit a Sanden compressor in either 134 or 12 but the hoses need to be
modified or replaced. The Sanden is a rotary design, much smoother and more
efficient.
R12 or R134?
Since the B's a/c is already anemic, going to R12 may not be the right
direction. If you do, you will need to change the service valves,
compressor, and other assorted fittings, and yes, the new oil is NOT
compatible with the old, and the filter/drier should be changed. Of course,
the R decision may have to do with the climate where you are located.
R134 also runs a much higher condenser pressure so think hard on this one.
There are no off the shelf condenser coils or filter driers that fit without
some modification.
Filter/Drier
If the system has been open or at atmospheric for some time, the filter
drier should be changed even if staying with R12. The original
condenser-filter drier design is a Bricklin specific Modine long removed
from the production list. The filter drier can be RE-CORED.
If the system is COMPLETELY sealed, you can also dehydrate the core in a
deep two stage vacuum, but this is not usually recommended due to the fact
that most auto systems leak just a little. You can also flush the system
with R13, but this will remove all oil.
Availability:
R12 runs about $25/lb wholesale and $50-60 retail in most parts and is
generally not sold without proper credentials, and is usually sold in 30lb
containers though there are 12oz cans at an even steeper premium.
Rick (HTCoatings in Canada) has a few NOS clutches left in very good
condition without the coil for very cheap!
Rebuilt clutches are typically available for around $50 and include the elec
coil.
Compressors: You can get these new for about $180 fitted for R12.
The service valves run about $40@ if you need them for some reason.
The re-core charge for the filter drier by Classic Auto Air is about $58.
Classic Auto Air says they can replicate the B condenser with filter drier
for about $278, but they do not have a model. They also carry the valves,
elec coil, rebuilt clutches, etc..
The Tanner re-manipulation of the ductwork is highly un-advisable from my
perspective learning the hard way. You lose ALL defroster control, gain very
little, and get steamy windows in the winter, oh what fun. Tanner has done
some great things but this ain't one of them.
Update on the evaporator fan motor:
Classic Auto Air is about to receive an NOS evap motor. Earlier attempts to
find a company willing to rewind the motor to a higher speed (actually
dewind) have been, to say the least, unproductive. Classic Auto Air is also
hopeful in finding a larger squirrel cage that will also increase the air
flow but they need to OEM measurements of the cage and the housing, so
anyone with that info is welcome to call, PLEASE.
The contact info for Classic Auto Air is
813 251 2356
2020 Kennedy Blvd
Tampa FL 33606
Ask for Al. He is fast becoming Bricklin knowledgeable and is very friendly
and says he is eager to work with us.
Well, I hope this helps some of us. The controversy around R12 is still
alive and well. Keep in mind that Dupont's patent on R12 was coincidentally
up. The creation of a "new" and "necessary" and patentable replacement such
as R134 was the only solution for Dupont.
There are "replacement" R12s available such as Freezone, but this are
blends, and often contain flammables. The problem with a blend is that they
eventually separate due to different molecular weights and when a leak
occurs, the only solution is to dump the whole charge.
Further, how inert these blends are or each of their components is
questionable. R12 is non-hazardous and virtually inert unless exposed to
open flame and then you get phosgene gas which is very very toxic.
stephan #2821
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