A/C Rebuild/restore

Discussion in 'New Members Forum' started by Bad1974maverick, Oct 22, 2012.

  1. Bad1974maverick

    Bad1974maverick Member

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    Hello My name is simon and I have a 74 Maverick grabber v8. It has A/C but doesn't work. For one the lever that controls it is broken in the dash but even after that I'll bet it still doesn't work. Is there a Company out there who restores old A/C units. I live in central Ohio but I'm willing to take it off and send it somewhere if needed. Thanks for any help.
     
  2. Craig Selvey

    Craig Selvey Indiana State Rep - MCCI

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    Sounds like the AC vacuum switch behind the dash it broke. If it is plastic....very common problem. The plastic switch can be hard to find. Many have switched to the earlier style, which is metal. Do a search on the subject here on this message board.

    If you turn on the fan, and all the air comes out the defrost vents along the windshield, no matter where you try to switch it to....then your vacuum switch behind the dash is broke.

    Also...if the AC hasn't worked for awhile...I imagine you will find other problems as well once you get this switch fixed.
     
  3. Bad1974maverick

    Bad1974maverick Member

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    Yeah I kind of figured that after you ans I e mailed back and fourth about it. all the plastic was brittle but the hoses were still attached. after I get the switch fixed is there anyone who can restore/changeover the old compressor. I did this changeover to my mom's ford probe to 134a but I'm not sure if it's possible on the 74. Thanks Simon.
     
  4. mojo

    mojo "Everett"- Senior Citizen Supporting Member

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    If ur not opposed to not going w/ factory correct components, u might consider going to the newer style setup used commonly on Mustangs. I upgraded to that type setup and found out it was probably my best option. Classis Auto Air out of Tampa, Fl. They have a web site w/ some info on the products.
    I found their customer service, great to work with. There are several folks on the forum using their kits. In any case, B4 u do anything, remove the heat/ac box and repair any damage to the box. Also, have the ac coil tested and repaired, and replace the heater core. All the foam gaskets in the box will need replacing, paint the metal parts, and lastly, check the vaccum motors and most important handle the brittle box w/care. There is a foam kit for Mustangs that can be modified and used in the Mav heater box. If u need I will try to find the info for the one I used...

    check out some of my restoration pix at this link http://www.mmb.maverick.to/showthread.php?t=72754
     
  5. CaptainComet

    CaptainComet Large Member

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    Welcome to the board

    Hi Simon,

    I went through my A/C box not that long ago. For foam seals, I got a kit for a 71-73 Mustang box, and that came from CJs Pony Parts. Many of them are the correct size, only a couple needed to be fabbed, and there are enough extra seals in the kit, that you can use what is there for material.

    Here is a thread with some details about the A/C units ... early vs. late ...that I posted in Tech here .... some good pics and discussion there.

    http://mmb.maverick.to/showthread.php?t=80508

    Here is the only pic I have posted here of the complete box ...

    before_and_after_heater_box_original.jpg

    I have more on my computer here that I could email if it would help, but the best suggestion that I have is as you take it out ....

    A) Label EVERYTHING ... every vacuum line, etc .... might be easiest to use letter codes and a journal. Put a piece of tape on the line and one on the box where it attaches, a note about it in the journal and then ...

    B) Take about three times as many photos as you think you will need, especially showing those labels. Also, pics from each stage of box disassembly.

    It took me at least a month before I was ready to reassemble the box and I took a bunch of pics, but still found myself digging for info. I had vague notes on my vacuum lines only. The only thing that saved me was having a second A/C unit sitting here to look at. :rolleyes: This was something I had never done before, and I had a few tense moments with it going back together and hooking it up.

    Best of luck with it ... it is not impossible to do. Just leave yourself a lot of info to work with.
     
  6. Bad1974maverick

    Bad1974maverick Member

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    thanks, yeah I saw all those hoses and thought the same thing. WRITE everything down! nice to know some mustang A/C stuff will work. I am trying to keep this car as original as possible.
     

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