Considering A/C Hose Change & Upgrade - OK for newbie project?

[geoz]

Originally Posted by scottb

If I remember correctly (and it's been at least 10 years), I used an electrician's snake (fish tape) to help route the hoses through some of the tighter squeezes. I'd run the snake through the opening, tape the hose to the end of the snake, and then pull it through. IIRC, one hose was a particular PITA, but I don't remember any of them being impossible or causing me undue concern or work.

HTH.

thanks for the tip.
that is indeed my plan. i was actually going to tape the snake to the hose I'm pulling out & then use it to pull the new hose in. good thing the new hoses are actually thinner than the old ones, and it should be easier to route them.

as i said, it should be doable.

[911dean]

$200 probably well spent, considering thier business is close to your home and could provide invaluable advice and know how. Go visit the shop.
I'm currently on the fence about removing my a/c. I'm leaning towards removing it. I have a/c in my service truck and other car.
Anyways good luck with your project. I'm sure you'll be able to do it your self. Just take your time and think things out. It will be a great feeling after you complete the job.
Dean

[Barrpete]

The only real PITA on replacing the hoses are the 2 in the DS fender well going to the front condensor. I just tied a length of cord to the old ones prior to extraction, but the fish tape would work just as well - maybe better.

[Seabear]

Thanks for starting this thread, Polizei, I need to replace hoses on my 88, there's a major bulge on the line leading from the compressor.
And, thanks to all the contributors for the info on how to do the job. This is another example of the generosity that is so common on this forum.

[scottb]

I don't mean to "toot my own horn," but if you search on my screen name you'll see I've posted on several a/c projects. Maybe some of my experiences will help those of you in this thread who are about to embark on the "slippery slope" of a/c improvement. Another VERY knowledgeable a/c person here on the BBS is mthomas58. He's done a lot of a/c work on his car, and has had good results!

HTH.

Scott

[david482]

I'm thinking of the same update on my 89 which has not been charged in about 10!years. I'm thinking of the "simple" hose replace and maybe a conversion from R12, I think I need the hoses, conv kit, and new dryer. I just want cool does not need to freeze.

[Jesse16]

Did the hoses on my 87 last fall after I had a single hose fail. (the one attached to the passenger side hood hinge going from the compressor to the large condensor. Very doable, no special tools req'd. Least cost method would be to remove all 5 hoses and then have the fittings "re-hosed". You could do for less than $200 probably. I actually kept all my old fittings after cutting off the hoses. You'll find the new fittings aren't are heavy duty or nice looking (in my opinion) as the oem fittings. Other threads mention plenty of resources on who can put on new hose. If I wasn't in a big hurry, thats what I'd do.
For better AC, thats opens a huge can of opinions. If you keep the car, most people eventually rip it all out and decide that a newer car with AC is best. I keeping my AC investment minimal.

[scottb]

Originally Posted by david482

I'm thinking of the same update on my 89 which has not been charged in about 10!years. I'm thinking of the "simple" hose replace and maybe a conversion from R12, I think I need the hoses, conv kit, and new dryer. I just want cool does not need to freeze.

If all you want is "cool" and not "freeze my a$$ off," changing out the hoses may be all you need to do. I'd suggest that you stay with R12 if possible. Also, you might consider Griffiths' Kuehl Vent; it's designed to bring cool air out from under the dash and into the passenger compartment. I have it, and it's a noticeable improvement.

[polizei]

As a follow up, I spoke with Griff at Griffiths A/C, and he talked me into upgrading beyond just a hose replacement. I was budgeting $1600 to have a shop replace the hoses for me. Griff offers a kit for $1200 that he says will blow considerably colder than stock and has been installed by several folks:

911 special 1984 to 1989 package [911special1984to1989package] : Griffiths Technical Inc

Hoses, seals, o-rings and new oil would run me $600 anyways. So the way I look at it, I'm spending another $600 for GOOD A/C. I guess that's not bad. Griff assured me that a novice could conservatively do-it-yourself over two weekends. He provides thorough documentation and technical support during the week. I'll let you guys know the results.

Thanks for your direction!

[shbop]

Andy, there are a couple of hose-shields on the driver's side hose that runs from the rear condenser, driver's side, up to the front condenser. This is a #8 size hose, and one of the longest. I mention this because I just replaced all of the hoses on my 88'. When I made this particular hose, I ended-up cutting the two shields off the original hose and putting them on the new one. There are probably those who would think it's not necessary to have them, but I figured they were there for a reason........... Anyway; one protects the hose as it leaves the rear condenser and wraps around the rear lid hinge. The other is under the car, where this hose comes down from the engine compartment and transitions across the bottom of your car. Good luck with your project. I debated for a while about other modifications to the A/C, but in the end it seems that the volume of air is the key. I read so many posts about 911 a/c upgrades my head was spinning. Sure would like to know if you think there is any significant difference with the new evap. and front condenser. Good luck with the project. You're about to get really dirty.

[geoz]

I had a look at the hoses and decided to have a go at them with the pressure washer before I start removing them.

Not surebhow much good it will do but I recon it will remove some dirt at least.