67 Cutlass, new or restore?

[drylegmcrae]

I'm working on a 67 Cutlass supreme. I just rebuilt the original 400 2 barrel and had the switch pitch 400 trans rebuilt. I'm upgrading the suspension parts with new springs, shocks, swaybars, brakes and steering box. This is a factory a/c car and it looks like most pieces are there. The compressor was in the trunk and spins freely. One of the lines connected to it was cut.

My question is do I restore the factory unit or just upgrade to an aftermarket. i don't know much about a/c systems and don't know if a dryer is good or bad by looking at it. Would i just install all the pieces and have it charged and that's how i know if it works or not?

[Twentyover]

Assume the drier needs replacement. It has a desiccating agent inside that effectively wears out. In addition, the desiccating agent used is not compatible with R134a (if you go that way).

You are making an assumption that aftermarket is an upgrade. I would like to disabuse you of this assumption. Most factory air exceeds airflow performance of aftermarket systems,and airflow is more important then outlet temperature Evaporators are larger, and more discrete temperature control is available. Most important design feature tome is factory systems do not try to modulate evaporator temperature to control outlet temperature, so outlet temperature swings are smaller during compressor cycling. Small point to some,but it REALLY irritates me..

The second most important detail is getting airflow on your torso, a feature that even factory systems in the 60's were not noted for. Take a look at modern outlet placement vs your car- they are in general placed higher and have better directional control. Outlets are NOT sexy, and auto HVAC designers fight stylists to get adequate area and directional control.I always relocate an outlet high on the IP on drivers lef6t and right if they don't already have one there.

Haven't answered your question directly, but if it's any indication I'm rebuilding the factory A/C on my 65 elCamino rather than replace with an aftermarket unit.

I'm going to suggest regardless of direction, you replace the factory compressor with an aftermarket. The A6 is a tank, reliable as a rock, and just as heavy and ugly.

[drylegmcrae]

Thanks for responding. I was leaning towards keeping the factory stuff. Your answer is very helpful. I get replacing the drier and upgrading the compressor. Is there any other part that is worn out just because it's 46 years old? if not, what steps do i take to insure that each part is ready to use? Flush? Blow out with air? PB Blaster? Ok that last was mostly a joke.

[Twentyover]

Atually, all parts should be looked at. I'm replacing the heater and evap cores because the whole deal is apart and I'd rather spend the money now than in a few years when I need to disassemble a bunch of stuff to get to these parts.

POA may need rebuilding/ refurbishing. I'm sending some of my parts to Classic Auto air for re=buiding/tunig for use with R134a

[drmatera]

i'm subbing this post as the next project on my '69 442 is getting the a/c working. It is a factory air car that at some point was converted to R134. BUT the system has a leak, judging by the large amount of what looks like a JB Weld product that is wrapped around the line that comes out of the top of the box in the engine bay and loops over to what looks like a pressure valve,that I'm sure will need replacement.