I have a original 69ss chevelle,(except engine)that I have owned since 1976. The car has factory a/c,ps,pb,front disc,3.08 posi,gauge package,tach,buckets,th400,and much more.I am doing a frame off though it did not start off that way,was just going to be just a little detailing and repaint.the ac never worked that good from the time I had it. I purchased a V/A complete unit to replace the factory unit about 10 years ago,it is still in the boxes.I have been collecting parts for the car for years.I have a complete oem front clip for the car. The car has a Hotchkis rear suspension kit, 454 30 over,headers,and will have other modes.To the question. Can I get the fatory system to cool properly? Houston TX is no place to be driving a black vinyl seat car in the summer without good a/c. THANKS

YES ! Just do two things to make your 69 system cool like a 2009 system.
1st.--- Send your POA Valve to Tampa Fla. to have it set up for 134
2nd--- While doing the frame off, Get the new style " BOLT IN " condenser for 134.
NOTE: The new style condenser for 134 has smaller tubes and MORE OF THEM. On the interstate my 100% org. 70 A/C system is dam cold. In town it is OK but not real cool WHY? The 70 condenser has 3/8" tubes, LOOK at ( ALL ) the new style condensers they have 1/4" tubes. This will allow more tubes in the same given space.
134 needs a lot more air over the condenser than R-12.
I would go with the new bolt in 134 condenser for a 70, BUT its a PITA to R & R.
Bob:thumbsup:

Thanks for the info. I am not familiar with the POA valve,is it the pressure valve? Also have plans to install at a later date a Billet Specialties serpentine complete drive kit which comes with a Sanden right side compressor.

YES ! Just do two things to make your 69 system cool like a 2009 system.
1st.--- Send your POA Valve to Tampa Fla. to have it set up for 134
2nd--- While doing the frame off, Get the new style " BOLT IN " condenser for 134.
NOTE: The new style condenser for 134 has smaller tubes and MORE OF THEM. On the interstate my 100% org. 70 A/C system is dam cold. In town it is OK but not real cool WHY? The 70 condenser has 3/8" tubes, LOOK at ( ALL ) the new style condensers they have 1/4" tubes. This will allow more tubes in the same given space.
134 needs a lot more air over the condenser than R-12.
I would go with the new bolt in 134 condenser for a 70, BUT its a PITA to R & R.
Bob:thumbsup:

What Bob said! 100% :thumbsup:

I wasn't aware that there was a "bolt in" Parallel Flow condenser available for a 69 though. Do you have a link to it, Bob? I've only seen them for Camaros and early 'vettes. All of the other's I've seen are "universal" and require fabricating mounts and hoses.

The main difference between R12 and R134a systems is the condenser design. The other parts are virtually identical.
Your old condenser is a Serpentine type, one long tube running back and forth, top to bottom. It's like the coil on the back of an old refrigerator.
The PF condenser is a "multi pass" design. Imagine 2 side tank radiators, one on top of the other, connected in series. Each single tube also has 3-5 internal passages.

The POA valve is what is knows as a Suction Throttling valve. It maintains the evaporator at a set pressure to hold it just above 32 degrees over a wide range of conditions. R134a works best at a slightly lower suction pressure than R12, so the POA valve needs to be adjusted accordingly for the best operation. The POA will work well with your Sanden compressor.

For a lot of good info, check out www.autoacforum.com.