A/C Condensor Broke...Do I need It?
 

Well this I think is forcing my decision on my rear decklid condensor. First, I've had the compressor out for some time, and had the hoses secured to the side. Today I open the engine compartment...wouldn't you know, the dang top hose broke off!! Obviously it comes off this weekend, but I've been pondering A/C options (and believe me in S. TX I need it) for some time. Never could get a warm fuzzy....if I use the driver side wheel well condensor, or the under belly condensor....what's the feeling, will those alone keep me cool? I still have the front one (albeit, it has no fan...ROW you know)...should I leave it, even without the fan?:rolleyes: :rolleyes:

Ah, another option occured to me...think I could get the tube welded back on? Then I could reuse the rear condensor.

I have a 83SC that I currently am redoing the AC system.There are many options but I removed the engine condensor.Then I added a condensor with fan behind the left rear tire and a underbelly condensor and I am keeping the front condensor.I pulled out the evaporator and flushed it,cleaned the fins and replaced the expansion valve.I am currently replacing each rubber hose with barrier hose and have replaced the receiver drier.I have purchased HC12 refrigerant and I hope to be up and running by the end of the month.I fully expect this setup to keep me nice and cool in Orlando Fl. summers which are hot and humid!! If your looking to replace your rear condensor I have the one I removed,it's in good shape.Hope this helps.

General consensus is that the AC in our cars needs all the help it can get. There are tons of posts on the topic. As I see it, the underbelly unit is a fair-on but you have problems with heat radiating up thru your floor. Also, it does virtually no good when the car is not moving.
I'm not sure about the weld question.
BTW, barrier hoses are a must if you are going with R134A. R12 doesn't need them (the compressor oil will seal the hoses just fine if you run it regularly).
My stock system has a Pro-cooler (which allows me to use one pound less R12) which seem to help and a Kuehl center vent.

Thanks, appreciate the info. I'd heard the front wheel well condensor does a good job (like the 993's??), but never knew if they kept the rear condensor too. Like everyone, I'm constantly amazed when I'm told a car so small can't keep a cool cabin. Ahhh, what to do, what to do....