My 68 has factory a/c.I do not know where to buy the hoses that go from the dryer to the condenser and from the condenser out .They are just hoses that fit onto fittings with clamps.They fit through the wheel well housing.Any advice where to buy(Auto zone,Napa,etc)would be appreciated.Thanks,Brian

Most any parts house will have it for sale by the foot. You just need to know the size and how long.

I would carry it to an ac shop. Most can make up hoses easily. Have had several done this way. Also works for stuff like fuel tank vents and nitrous lines.

I am having a hard time finding these hoses.I have tried local auto shops,a/c shop.I need just the hoses only.The fittings are secured by clamps.these hoses are thicker walled than normal hoses.Can any one help with any companies they have delt with.I am running out of ideas.PLEASE ANY HELP IS WELCOMED!!!!! Thanks,Brian

Try Classic Auto Air in Tampa, FL. They are local for me. It is a huge shop with parts from floor to ceiling. Ask for Curtis Clark. Their number is 813-251-2356. Good luck. Jerry

Keep in mind that AC hose is now barrier type with a teflon lining. Your old fittings are NOT compatible with barrier hose. The barbs will cut the liner and leak.

Your best bet would be to send out the old hose set and have it rebuilt. The shops that do this cut the barbs off and weld on the proper crimp connections.

Tampa Jerry,I will call curtis tomorrow,THANK YOU!

Keep in mind that AC hose is now barrier type with a teflon lining. Your old fittings are NOT compatible with barrier hose. The barbs will cut the liner and leak.


I used barrier hose and hose clamps with R-12 refrigerant on my '68 for four years until I was able to locate the original type of hose. I found it locally at an A/C supply house. I never had a leak, and, when I recovered the R-12 to replace the barrier hose, I was able to get 90% of the original charge.
I'm not saying that your statement is incorrect, just sharing my personal experience.
BillL
BillL

I used barrier hose and hose clamps with R-12 refrigerant on my '68 for four years until I was able to locate the original type of hose. I found it locally at an A/C supply house. I never had a leak, and, when I recovered the R-12 to replace the barrier hose, I was able to get 90% of the original charge.
I'm not saying that your statement is incorrect, just sharing my personal experience.
BillL
BillL

Bill,your experience is anecdotal at best. You got lucky. and I'm very glad you did. It "can" work but yours is certainly the luck of the draw.

Screw type clamps on the hose fittings "might" seal good for a while, but they eventually leak because they loosen up as the barbs wear into the liner, causing leaks. Tightening them further will prevent them from leaking, maybe for a while, until the Teflon liner fails completely.

Crimped fittings with barrier hose and old barb fittings fail almost immediately, as the barbs cut through the Teflon liner when crimped. AC shops are well aware of this and modify the connections as needed.

Bottom line is, Barrier hose and old school barbed fittings just aren't compatible.

Just like any other area on a vehicle, There are actions and procedures that have been proven over time not to work reliably. There are always a few folks that can say "well, it worked just fine for me!"
If it worked for you, that's fantastic. But it likely won't work well the remaining 98% of the time.