shroud for ac drier

[dgc2]

Had to replace ac drier on '87 Carrera. Feed line from compressor could not be disconnected (lots of force, heat, pbblaster, liquid wrench,,,PITA). With new drier, I will fabricate a shroud to protect the 2 drier connectors from dirt and water.
Has anyone seen a good design for a shroud? Initial idea is to mod a ss heat shield , or mod a pvc pipe.
Suggestions??
Thanks,
dgc2

[EC900]

I removed my ac entirely and fortunately the dryer wasn’t difficult to disconnect but did take a beating from road debris and age. The aluminum lines and fittings weren’t too bad but then again, car came from CA. Aluminum of course corrodes differently than steel and the penetrating oils doesn’t work as well.
I would think a basic handmade shroud can be formed using aluminum sheet, big box home centers sell a perforated or solid type, wrapped or bent/curled a bit larger than the dryer and secured using existing dryer clamps, this would help with the protection from stone damage.
As for the line fittings, try finding some silicone tubes (this would be and fit like a spark plug boot) then lube the fitting nuts with a good amount of silicone grease, slip the ‘boot’ over.

[kuehl]

Originally Posted by dgc2

Suggestions??
Thanks,
dgc2

Too much turbulence and debris at the location and height.
You'd need to 'dip, coat, immerse' the drier and hose fittings
in a durable polymer that withstands that environment.

For the moment, you could use an anti-seize on the fitting nut
and the drier's threads (both are steel); avoid getting it on the
o-ring or gland. And you could try a paint
on 'plastic' coating on the nut, exposed drier port threads and the hose
fitting.

[GH85Carrera]

The dryer is supposed to be replaced anytime the system in "opened" as a disposable item. It is called a receiver-dryer, and and it has the descant in it to help keep the system dry and the refrigerant clean. How long was your dryer in place? Do you live in an area close to the beach?

I guess a 1/6 inch piece of PVC and some trick brackets you could make a shield. People that live in cool climates often want to remove the AC. I live and drive where it is HOT and AC is vital part of the driving experience, especially if I want my wife to come with me.

Good luck on a design for the shield. Please post what you come up with. My receiver has been in place for years, and only replaced once when I replaced my compressor. It came right off, and I drive my car a lot. 41 states and Canada and lots of all day drives in the rain. The fender wells are never going to win a concours, as they get lots of road dirt on them.