So I have a new style ac compressor with motor i just put in my 69. The rest of my old ac is there with exception of the hoses. I can make my own hoses i know, but can I use the new style ac compressor with the old system?

thanks

josh, try Doc's Blocks. They make the adapters to go from the new compressors to the old stuff along with adapter plates for many more applications.

So I have a new style ac compressor with motor i just put in my 69. The rest of my old ac is there with exception of the hoses. I can make my own hoses i know, but can I use the new style ac compressor with the old system?

thanks

Hey Josh,
Yes, you can use an R-4 compressor on an older system. It will work if adapted properly (hoses). The big question is: Why on earth would you want to?? The A-6 was nearly bullet proof and lasts forever. (People actually make air compressors out of them!). The R-4 is a very marginal compressor with longevity issues, prone to filling the system with sharpnel on a moments notice. You would be trading a Cadillac for a Yugo!!

If you are thinking "modern compressor upgrade", stop right there and keep the A-6. There is no "modern" compressor that can compare to the A-6, even with it's 1950's technology.

If you are looking for a physically smaller/lighter compressor for an otherwise vintage system, look at a Sanden or Seltec compressor. Like the R-4, they are a smaller displacement unit, but they will be WAY more reliable than an R-4.
Check www.ackits.com for those compressors. Email them for specific applications.

I may buy a sanden...the engine I bought had the serpentine belt set-up and I want to stick with it...I just bought an edelbrock reverse flow aluminum water pump and to switch back would be costly besides I like the serpentine belt. I figure I'll have to change brackets with the sanden compressor, but I was planning on machining some billet aluminum brackets anyway. I'm looking at the cheapest way to get my a/c going and still keep factory look and keep the serpentine system....kinda contradictory I know, but this is what we do right! :) I assume I'll need a new orifice tube and accumulator? Other than the compressor everything else should be ok?

Doc's blocks has a lot of info I see. I ordered catalogs.

thanks for your help

I was looking at the sanden 7176 vs the 508. Do you know if they are the same size? I assume the 7176 is the better compressor because of more pistons but for my big block, would the 508 be sufficient?

thanks

I can't comment on the 7176, I'm nor really familiar with it. Run that question by the folks at AC Kits.

There's no orifice or accumulator on your 69. It uses an expansion valve and POA valve. There is receiver-dryer in the high side that will need to be replaced no matter what you do. The POA is very likely ok, but can be tested. the expansion valve can be tested,but it's cheap enough that I would just replace it.
Don't be tempted to replace the POA with a POA "upgrade" kit or POA eliminator, they don't work well. The POA valve is the heart of the system.