AC system identification

Hello everyone,

I want to fix the AC in my 77' C20 and I need some infos,
PO told me that the system leaks, he had it recharge several times but it didn't last long,
AC hoses are dry-rotted and I think it's the first thing I'm gonna replace.
For what I know the AC isn't a factory unit.

I have a few pics (can take more if needed) of the components
Does anyone know what brand/make this AC system come from?
PO also told me it was converted to R134a, any method to make sure it has been done correctly?
It's the first time I've seen AC hoses held on with worm-gear clamps,

I'm a total noob when it comes to AC systems so any help is appreciated.

.

There are a million r134 conversion threads on here they are all the same pretty much just start reading up and taking inventory of what you have, what you need, etc...

Those worm gear clamps with the keeper are/were standard on my 66 ChevyII original A/C car. Looks like a Sanden 508 compressor, just what I have on said ChevyII

idahovette said:

Those worm gear clamps with the keeper are/were standard on my 66 ChevyII original A/C car. Looks like a Sanden 508 compressor, just what I have on said ChevyII

Click to expand...

Thanks,
I just looked at Rockauto listing for a 66' Chevy II and the dessicant filter looks about the same as the one already installed in my truck.

I'd try to find your leaks with dye before you get too far, but I'd probably plan on replacing those hoses either way. They worked, but with the cracks visible, I don't think I'd trust them much longer. That isn't a factory compressor setup, to my knowledge they never put Sandens in these trucks, but your compressor should be good for what you need as it is a more modern design etc. What does your evaporator case look like, and your condenser coil? Was it a full aftermarket/underdash "Kit" or did someone just get tired of the old compressor and swap just that out (and have to make new lines in the process)?

For hoses, stock is most likely not going to work, even if you have stock condenser and evaporator coils. Check out either Coldhose.com for hose assemblies or get a kit and roll your own. You might get lucky with a good hydraulic hose shop or old school NAPA nearby that can take what you have and make new ones, too.

Maybe it was a complet "kit" but so far I haven't been able to find a data plate or a logo from any company
Or it could be something cobbled together by one of the PO
Here are some more pics, it doesn't look very "factory" to me :

I will take better pics of stuff under the dash when I get the chance

Yeah, pretty sure that isn't factory but I'm no expert on the older stuff for sure. I'd still do a leak detector dye to see where the leaks are. If your evaporator and/or condenser and/or compressor is fine, I'd just replace all Orings if you have them (maybe just the compressor?) and I'd be suspect on the old hoses. Old rubber leaks, and old AC hose made for R12 can leak R134 a little easier (R134 leaks easier, in general). I just noticed your location, I'm not sure how that may affect availability of parts etc. I'm also assuming R12 is as difficult to get over there as it is here. Also, I know there are some differences in what refrigerants are commonly available in Europe vs the States, so you might talk to some old timer's in the area to see if there is a better refrigerant available.

That’s 100% an add on ac setup/retrofit. Factory for a 77 would be the big A6 compressor and would be integrated into the heater box for the evaporator. Controls would be with the heater controls.

My suspicion is being you are in France, it’s an export truck, and likely was less tax/duty to import without certain options.

I do plan to take the truck to a professional to perform a leak/vaccum test.

IIRC R12 is banned here in France and I assume Europe in general... So R134 it is.

The only O-rings looks to be on the compressor fittings, I will replace them at the same time as the hoses.

legopnuematic said:

My suspicion is being you are in France, it’s an export truck, and likely was less tax/duty to import without certain options.

Click to expand...

My truck was imported from the USA about 5 years ago by the PO.

For what we know the truck spend most of it's life in Oakland CA.

The "only" US export trucks that I can think of are Chevy CUCV (K30?) and older Dodge M880, which were ship to Germany during the 70' and early 80'
They are still pretty popular in Germany

I should add that almost no vehicles designed for the US domestic market made it to France.

But some of them did :
Between 62' and 67' Renault sold AMC Rambler here in France, rebranded as Renault Rambler
Very few were sold/purchased (around 6000 units).

LeBeepBeep said:

Hello everyone,

I want to fix the AC in my 77' C20 and I need some infos,
PO told me that the system leaks, he had it recharge several times but it didn't last long,
AC hoses are dry-rotted and I think it's the first thing I'm gonna replace.
For what I know the AC isn't a factory unit.

I have a few pics (can take more if needed) of the components
Does anyone know what brand/make this AC system come from?
PO also told me it was converted to R134a, any method to make sure it has been done correctly?
It's the first time I've seen AC hoses held on with worm-gear clamps,

I'm a total noob when it comes to AC systems so any help is appreciated.

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Click to expand...

I think you have a system made by Hurricane Air. I would contact them and furnish some pictures, and see if they can help you.

J. B.

Thanks,

I will dig in that direction,
I also managed talk with the PO, turn out the AC has never been converted to R134, rather it was refilled with R413.

I've been pretty busy at work for the past few weeks, didn't get much time to work on the truck.
And now that I have a little bit more time, all the shops are closed (end of August is a common vacation period here in France)

Thank you all for the infos, I will keep you updated.