other Largest AC Condenser One Can Install as Well as Other Parts Needed

[Captain Manly]

Car is getting painted and I am FINALLY getting all the necessary final parts order for the planned assembly.  

 

I have a Clardy AC system that I plan to use, already have HobieDave's AC bracket and new Sanden 508 compressor, but I am looking for the largest (and thinnest) available condenser (preferably with the dryer attached on the side).

 

Thinnest since I am running an IE electric fan (which some how need to be configured to the AC system as well) in front of the radiator.

 

Also, if anyone has had good experiences with suitable replacement of electric fan blower / squirrel cages, I would appreciate as well. 

 

One stupid question in regards to the hoses, since they have to run past the exhaust header, is there anything product wise one can insulate the hoses from the header heat?  Like a sleeve before the fittings are installed?

TIA!

 

Justin 

[thehackmechanic]

In this thread:

 

I concluded that 10x18 was the biggest you could go without cutting the horn brackets. With cutting the horn brackets, I installed a 11x21 unit, but it did not have an integral receiver.

 

In this thread:

 

 

I made the hose to mount the receiver.

 

--Rob

 

[Conserv]

Justin,

 

My '76 has Clardy A/C, which I installed when the car was brand new, following the Clardy installation instructions closely.  The hose running from the evaporator/blower to the condenser was originally tucked tightly against the right inner fender, as seen in the first photo, taken August 1983.  That hose is now less tight to the inner fender but really doesn't need insulation (second photo).

 

The hose running from the evaporator/blower to the compressor, however, runs closer to the exhaust manifold.  Originally this hose was installed in a woven insulation sleeve (third photo: you'll need to click and enlarge the photo to see the woven texture), provided by Clardy, but upon re-doing the engine, we've now routed this second hose tight against the right inner fender until it's virtually at the compressor.  We did not install a sleeve or equivalent this time and I can't say the A/C misses it.  But if it made you feel more comfortable, you could try  any insulated sleeve for this second hose:  if the real goal is heat isolation, I'm certain technology has advanced far beyond that original woven sleeve!

 

Regards,

 

Steve

 

 

 

 

 

Edited May 18, 2016 by Conserv

[fjord-tii]

Search this site, there are complete write-ups on condenser and fan setup.

[2002newb]

Conserve that is one CLEAN looking engine bay!!

[Stevenc22]

I put my AC lines in a white heat sleeve and ran them along the frame rail.

 

I would use a separate dryer just because fitting the condenser is going to be tricky enough without the dryer hanging off the side.

 

 

[Stevenc22]

a 10 x 18 i think is the biggest condenser you can fit without cutting the support brackets. (Even a 10x18 might need some triming to fit)

 

http://nostalgicac.com/condensers/unpainted-condenser/10-x-18-superflow-r-134a-condenser.html

[Captain Manly]

Wow, thanks for all the feed back, definitely going to incorporate all what I see so far.

 

My only question so far is if I should cut the supports where the horns go will that impact the support/structure in regards to the hood mounts.  Since I live in Texas and my wife likes to feel she is in Minnesota I am going to shoe-horn the biggest condenser I can find.  I want headlights when she is riding with me!!

 

TIA, again!!

Justin 

[Stevenc22]

Justin, where are you in Texas? Im in Houston and i run a small 9 * 12 condenser and my AC system is amazingly cold, ices over the lines.

 

I would not cut the supports, there is no going back after you do that.

 

 

[02hobiedave]

This is what I used to insulate my lines. Works great.  I also used the 11x 19  in mine and cut the bottom of a horn bracket. Still have both horns on the bracket. Like you I'm in a hot climate for most of the year. I have great results out of my hybrid old and new system. 

02Hobiedave

[Vicleonardo1]

Another way to get the most out of your condenser is the refrigerant you use. 

 

I cannot give a review just yet as my AC is being upgraded as we speak. You can look into hydrocarbon refrigerants. This refrigerant runs  very cold and runs under a lot less pressure thus extending the life of your compressor as well. 

 

From the research I have done the HC refrigerants are pretty efficient. (Much better and much more environmentally safe than R12 and R134a) It is also 100% R12 compatible too. So once mine is up and running, I will keep you posted. 

 

The one I am using is Red Tek. There is another brand, but I cannot remember the name. 

 

Please note: a good number of people overcharge their systems with this stuff, and when it is overcharged it doesn't work well at all. 

 

PS: and according to Rob, get the largest condenser fan you can get (that fits) powerful enough to suck small dogs off the street....

Edited May 20, 2016 by Vicleonardo1

[Mike Self]

Something to consider with your A/C hoses:  if you ever have to remove your heater, some slack in the A/C refrigerant hoses is very beneficial, as you'll have to unfasten the evaporator/blower assembly inside the car to have enough room to remove the heater box.  With some slack in the hoses, you can move the A/C components partway into the driver's footwell without having to disconnect the hoses and lose your refrigerant.  Then you can slide the heater box out via the passenger footwell.

 

mike