I’m looking to replace the AC hoses and dryer. I believe my Pantera has the Sandens compressor with the flare fittings as opposed to o rings. It is R12.
Do I get hoses from our vendors, or go through Vintage Air?
Thanks in advance.
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call the people at coldhose.com I have used them in the past and just recently on my pantera that i am updating. Hands down the best
The vendors have hoses, some like Pantera Parts Connection also offer longer ones so that you can hide the hoses in the rear fender and out of the trunk if you prefer. You'll need a new drier as well.
There are also DIY fittings available now from Aeroquip, I know some owners have had good success with them.
are you keeping R12 as your refrigerant?
your compressor, dryer, condenser and evaporator will all likely have flare fittings.
unless you intend to replace all the components you are stuck with flare fittings. The new DIY system only has O-ring fittings available
there is a fitting to convert Oring fittings to flare fittings but I am not aware of any that do it in reverse -
A “bolt-in replacement” hose kit is, in my humble opinion, deceptive advertising in most cases.
whatever you do make sure you get barrier hose and not an old supply of R12 design hose.
Consider buying the fittings and the lengths of hose that are needed, fit and cut them to your car, remove them and have them crimped at a AC shop. Also possible they could crimp the fittings on installed hoses. I would approach an AC shop before beginning your project to see what assistance they can provide.
Good luck
Larry
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If your system is charged you'll want to go to the A/C shop and have the refrigerant evacuated and recovered anyway, both from a protect the planet and your wallet perspective!
Thanks.
So my plan is to keep running R12. Since the compressor was upgraded.
The previous owner had the system charged but the line from compressor to evap leaked. It looks like there is a newer hose from the compressor to the condenser in the rear.
I figured I’ll make up all new hoses on the car with crimped ends so that I can run with the slack that I want. I’ll also replace the drier then get it charged. That coldhose.com site looks to have a good selection
Realistically, in New England, I’ll probably use AC less than 5 times a year. The heater gets a work out though.