What's a complete A/C system (from an '88) worth?
 

Sorry for a non-technical post on this forum, but I figured I might get some feedback here. Someone has expressed interest in purchasing my A/C system that I removed a few months ago, but neither of us has an idea as to what a fair price (to both parties) would be. The system is complete (compressor, front and rear condensors, all hoses, brackets, etc.) off of my garage queen '88, and worked quite well the few times I used it. I have no intentions to ever sell the car, and prefer a 'clean' engine compartment (plus the weight savings), so resale value isn't a reason to hang on to it. Thanks for all input and opinions!

Well, you will probably get replies demonstrating a great variation as to the evaluation of the real worth of that system...

Many people will agree that the airco of a mid-year Carrera is not worth the metal and plastic it is cut from...
Back in 1989, it was an expensive option.

I think this is a real demonstration of the true meaning of "market value". A lot depends on the prospective buyer's evaluation.

In view of the fact that, if I read you correctly, you don't seem to attach much importance to the airco in itself, this may provide you with an opportunity of some real old style haggling for the sake of fun and self-gratification.

Anyway, I would value it at .... one grand (I didn't say what currency, though).

compressors and condensers are popluar for repair parts, but the rest is not. i toss the rest. $250 for the compressor, $75 ea. for the condensers.

Thanks John (and Paul)! John, what about the hose fittings (to attach on new hoses if one desired), brackets, front condenser guards, front condenser blower, smugglers box blower, etc. Wouldn't they be useful for someone installing this system on an SC? Thank you for offering your expert opinion...that's REAL 'fair market value' input...very helpful!!!

$250 for the compressor seems high. I paid about $200 for a rebuilt Nippondenso, with a warranty. So, I think a used one would be worth no more than $100, if that.

The condensers are probably worth about $75 each.

I'm surprised the front condenser blower doesn't have value. If that's the case, and you're going to toss it, I'll take it off your hands for shipping.

i guess there's someone out there who would actually install a complete system, but what a PITA. hard enough to pull it out, much less install one in a car that wasn't equipped with it originally. the fans might bring a few bucks, they do burn out, especially the front one. lots of cars totalled when it lit the trunk on fire. i wouldn't put a used one in.

John: I was under the impression that this was caused by the lack of a fuse for that fan, and that the factory "fix" solved that problem. Am I mistaken?

BTW, I agree, installing a system from scratch, where one didn't exist before, would be a royal PITA. It was tough enough just updating mine....I can't imagine the hassle involved in trying to put one in.

Keith,

Remember that what you have is not an “Installation Kit” with instructions, templates for mounting, and all the other trivia necessary for a clean and proper install. If you don’t want to store it in your garage rafters, give the guy a real bargain deal. He will spend many times more having the compressor serviced, the condensers and evaporator serviced, replacing the receiver-dryer and expansion valve, and replacing some or all of the hoses. I’ll also bet he has to find some obscure parts that are unavoidably still on the car. Did you save the Freon?

My recommendation: Keep the system with your 911. In 2045 someone (you?) may want to reinstall it.

Best,
Grady

The hoses are worthless but well worth keeping for the fittings and for patterns on the new car.

Kinda agree with what Grady says. You never know what is going to happen in the future and unless you are really sure you will never need it I would stick the stuff in the attic or garage and keep it. The money is not going to do much and if you ever wanted to replace it the cost would be higher...

JoeA

Thanks to everyone for your input! John, I agree wholeheartedly that it would be a royal PITA to reinstall it even back in my own car (much less on an SC). Grady, I think I'll follow your advice and just hang onto it. BTW, I inquired to several local A/C shops, but couldn't find anyone to reclaim the R12, so I (figuring that most had already escaped), simply did the environmentally incorrect thing and let it escape. There was hardly any left in the system (it had been a couple of years since I'd used the A/C)...one small pfft, and it was gone. I know I'm going to get some flack for saying this, but my logic was...it's either leaking out slowly over time, or all at once...what's the diff? Go ahead guys...flame away...I deserve it. Thanks everyone!!!

Check ebay, they are always a current barometer of what something will sell for. Really the old real estate phrase is still, true. It is worth what ever you can sell if for. Good shape stuff for a couple a hundred plus shipping (that won't be small, hoses and the likes are bulky.

I bought the evaporator and box with fan for $50 a year or so ago off ebay, a brand new Seltec or Sanden is $100 on ebay, the condensers $50 -75 each depending on shape. Brackets and such $50. Hoses as templete worth something, fittings a little more.

Do your friend a favor, let him have it all for a couple a hundred.

I got an old front blower fan from someone on the board, and I put it in a vise and plugged it in to a battery charge to see if it would run for a while. After about an hour it caught on fire.