I took my '67 coupe in to have the A/C switched from R12 to 134. The mechanic said freon was blowing out the compressor as fast as he was putting it in.

I can get a rebuilt aluminum compressor that is a direct replacement for the York for $140. Or I can buy aSanden conversion for around $310. I've heard theSanden is less taxing on the engine, works better, blows colder, yadda yadda yadda.

Is theSanden compressor worth the extra bucks? If not, how difficult is it to get the clutch off the old one?

Here's the deal I'm looking at:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...405&rd=1,1

 

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mines a sanderson compressor works great you never try to convert a old compressor anything older then 95 will do the samething or locks up the compressor.main reason is the 134a uses a different oil the compressor dont like it its thiner oil.

 

I contacted one of the places you suggested. Their conversion kit is $499. Mustangs Unlimited and John's Mustangs (local) also have a $499 conversion. Or I can get a replacement for $139.

I just dropped over 3K in this car upgrading the steering and brakes, rims, tires, etc. I also replaced the condenser and dryer per the mechanic's suggestion, just to find out the compressor is bad. Its time to start justifying the money being spent on the car.

Let's assume I'd lose1 gallon per tank by going with the old-style compressor vs a Sanden (Idoubt I'd be running the air every time I drive it, plus its basically a weekend driver). At $3 per gallon, I'd be losing $3 per tank. The difference between the conversion and a rebuilt compressor is $360. It would take 120 tanks of gas before I made up the difference in price. If I go through a tank every 2 weeks (I doubt I'll drive it that much), it would take 240 weeks to make up the difference in price. That's 4 1/2 years.

So I'll ask again. Is the upgrade worth it? What makes it worth it?

 

Sounds like you have already made up your mind.

 

Where did you get $310? You can buy them for like $180.

 

I've seen compressors for that price, but not a conversion kit.

 

Oh, my apologies. I thought that is all you were looking for. Well heck, a conversion for $310 sounds pretty good! haha

 

Open up a Sanden compressor and what will you see ... surprise, PISTONS! Boy was I surprised to find that out several years ago whenadding an onboard air setup in my Jeep. The first digit of the model number (e.g. 508) lists the number of pistons, in this case 5. The York uses two larger pistons while the Sanden uses several small ones. That said, the Sanden is sure a lot quieter.

 

That $310 conversion is looking very sketchy. Looks like $499 is the going rate for the "standard" conversion kit.