[TriTom]

Just got a crazy-expensive estimate from a fairly-well regarded shop in Lorton/Springfield that sez I need:

a new compressor; expansion va; temp switch; relay (and bracket); A/C condensor; A/C condensor BL (what the **ll is a BL?); relay, and freon (1 1lb).
Sez there is a active leak at expansion valve; slight leak at A/C compressor; and leak at rear A/C condensor (front condensor blower is seized).
All this fun and I get to pay 'em $2629.75 ON TOP of the 300+ that I already paid to convert the whole dealie to R132......H'mmm.

Time to turn up the Twin 55's! Thoughts??

[VaSteve]

Yup, 255 a/c is pretty much what I use. Its a targa, you can take off the top as well.

[Trak Ratt]

It is what it is! Without a break down by item hard to judge. Old system, sitting a long time without use...
Could always call dealer / parts and ask for priced from them. Or do interwebs search for aftermarket prices. If it is being changed over why freon??

[Dr K]

Fully charged, my '86 Targa blew 55 degrees which only cooled the car adequately if the outside temp was <85 degrees (after conversion to R134a). I cannot see paying $2600 for that, esp. with a Targa. I've since removed my A/C system completely, and appreciate the lighter car... Not so great driving to the track if it's hot out, though, esp. if also raining.

How about buying 2 CoolShirts and 1 kit. About $500, and the $2100 left over will buy LOTS of ice

[Richard Curtis]

I've had luck buying reconditioned a/c parts from Hancock Industries, Abilene, TX. A company called Griffiths seems to specialize in rebuilt Porsche a/c components. I had good experience with them with a rebuilt steering rack.

[Bubblehead]

Hi Tom,

Warning: I don't really know what I'm talking about, I only have opinions I enjoy sharing.

$2600 is a lot of money. If you are willing to do some work on your own, you can save some serious cash. Mechanically, it is my opinion that there are only a few steps in the process that require professional tools and expertise (vacuum empty the system and initial fill). Electrical stuff is more challenging, but the rest you can do yourself, if inclined. I would recommend an iterative approach, fixing the big problems first then working on the smaller ones until you are satisfied. Buy a condenser fan used on Pelican or fix the one you have (don't even need the system drained for that).
If you can hold out until the temperature drops, I'd leave the system depressurized, replace the expansion valve with a new one, replace or rebuild the compressor myself, and fix any obvious issues. Have a shop vacuum and charge the system up and give it a shot.
I have an '89 coupe that has been converted to R-134a, with a minor leak somewhere in the system that I am living with in the short term. In the long term, I plan on finding and fixing the leak(s). I will be rebuilding the compressor this winter ($40 kit) and replacing the drier (another $40), then have the system refilled at a shop. In the meantime, since this refrigerant is available over the counter, I can recharge the system myself as the need arises. A can of refrigerant is 12.99, and the recharge process takes only a few minutes once you learn how to do it safely. This approach doesn't last forever, as the system will eventually have enough air and non-condensable gases in it to stop working efficiently.
Take a look at the work people have done on the Pelican site.
- Derrick

[Dr K]

You might consider changing to non-porous A/C lines if you insist on keeping A/C.

Derrick: how well does your A/C work when it's 90 degrees out?

[Jase007]

These might help ...


http://griffiths.com/

http://www.rennaire.com/

*I've used Griffiths a few times for BMW steering racks and other stuff. Great to deal with and was the right part on time ... no games.

[TriTom]

Many thanks to ea. of you- I feel I am "not alone", as it were, in this 911 obsession I seem to have. Main reason to get the A/C goin' was in the event of rain, etc. need a way to keep inside of windshield free of fog (last week I blew out the 22yr old fan (fresh air) motor....abt 5-600 beans to fix...
Thanks again all! Twin 55's it is (for now)..................

[smdubovsky]

Originally Posted by TriTom

(fresh air) motor....abt 5-600 beans to fix..

Ouch. Most racers throw them away...