So here's my AC story. I've owned my '71 Skylark 2 door post sedan for 3 years now. After suffering the first 2 summers, this third one was the last straw with the 109 degree heat wave we had out here in southern AZ so I decided to get the bucket of AC parts in the trunk put back together. I took it to my mechanic, yes I know boo and jeer all you want but I didn't have the time or knowledge to do it myself. Through some help from yachtsman on here, I did some research on some of the things I might need and even picked up a compressor bracket from him. I had to replace the standard items, the canister, R134 conversion kit, the R134, dual groove alternator pulley, belt, and some other odds and ends. This was a 3 week build but I have a shade tree mechanic I've been going to for the past 15 years and he only works on it off duty from his regular job. The POA valve seems to work although I may get that rebuilt by Benny at Factory Auto Air this winter. I may also shop around for a rebuilt compressor as mine is all original so the seals aren't quite as good as new ones would be. Overall, it works but of course could be better so that's why I'm thinking of a rebuilt compressor and rebuild the POA valve this winter. Anyway here are the pics. Its not a show car so looks don't matter too much to me, its my daily driver. You can also see the pinched bypass hose I asked about in another thread. I just have to snip some length off one end and hope it relieves it.
I just noticed the "Remanufactured Compressor" label on the compressor so its not the original one anyway! It still shows its age though, and I know the last owner had a lot of work done on it in its Tucson home in the early 90s with receipts for a radiator core repair, some paint repair, and other things so maybe the compressor was done back then and somewhere down the line he decided to just remove the whole system. I did not get to speak to the previous owner before purchasing as I bought it off the guy he gave it to that he owed money to so it was one of those "I got this car in trade for money he owed me and have no use for it" deals. I picked the car up for $3500 and its been my workhorse for 3 years so I figure I didn't do too bad on it.
You did well Grasshopper! Glad to hear its blowing cold air! If you decide to recalibrate the POA valve this winter, have two rubber corks at the ready so when you pull the valve ( it WILL dump all the gas!), you can IMMEDIATELY stuff them in the open ends of the sytem. That wont save any gas, but it will help keep the moisture laden atmosphere outa the system. Itll make a re-install that much easier. I'd also consider another new receiver/drier if you are converting as the desiccant bag is contaminated with the wrong oil. I cant believe how cheap they are. That intake manifold hot water return hose is probably repopped somewhere. That kink is no good. Put this story up in the "BENCH" section so itll get better coverage. Again, CONGRATS... that's a real accomplishment to see it through!! ws
Bill thanks. I didn't think about getting a new receiver/drier when I get the POA recalibrated. Yeah they're only about $18 at my local parts store so those are affordable and easy to get. It does blow cold but could be colder and we're just about out of the woods on the heat out here since monsoons have cooled things down quite a bit now so any updates I do from here will be appreciated next summer.
Classic Auto Air in Tampa Fla has the POA valves calibrated for R-134 in stock. Order it ahead of time and swap out now. I've read that a correct POA valve for 134 will cool even better. Worth trying before spending the $$$$ on a new compressor https://originalair.com/66-73-skylark-poa-valve-15-51-type-1-134a
Thanks. I'm contemplating whether I should buy a rebuilt POA or just have mine tested and calibrated. I have the winter to think it over. My next upgrade will be a 100 amp 1 wire alternator that I plan on getting done in a couple weeks.
