Early vs Late A/C Evaporators

Discussion in 'Technical' started by CaptainComet, Aug 28, 2011.

  1. CaptainComet

    CaptainComet Large Member

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    I just happen to have two factory A/C units here. I was very surprised to see how different the evaporators are. The boxes are very similar externally, but look at these pics. ...

    Click on them for a much larger image.

    evap_comparo_1_original.jpg

    evap_comparo_2_original.jpg

    early_evap_original.jpg

    77_evap_original.jpg

    The early one is copper and is horizontal and bigger. The later one is aluminum and much more cube-like. Other parts from the later car were dated April 77, so it is from a very late car.

    I have no idea when the change was made.
     
  2. Craig Selvey

    Craig Selvey Indiana State Rep - MCCI

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    I don't think I have ever seen the BIG evaporator before. I have also never had a 1970 with AC.
     
  3. cactusgrabber

    cactusgrabber Member

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    Quite a difference in shape. Well, if anyone is ever wanting to restore a 70, with factory A/C components...I doubt there are alot of them out there...
     
  4. mojo

    mojo "Everett"- Senior Citizen Supporting Member

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    I have one of the early one's in my Comet. I cleaned it, had it pressure tested, painted it w/ alum fence paint and reinstalled it. Upgraded all the under hood AC components B4 makin the trip to Dearborn. Glad I did. :D
     
  5. CaptainComet

    CaptainComet Large Member

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    I have just been using the term "early" to describe the one on the left ... not knowing what year it is from.

    It is possible that it is a very early piece. I got it from ShinySideUp, and I suspect he got it from Tenebros, in connection with the 69.5 that went back and forth between the two of them (back to Tenebros once again).

    T had been hoarding parts for 15 years before a move up north forced the sale of the car. The car itself was a non-A/C car, but he was looking to convert it.
     
  6. CaptainComet

    CaptainComet Large Member

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    Everett,

    You have the big copper core? I am trying to remember ... are you running a stock-type compressor, or a newer-style one (Sanden?)
     
  7. mojo

    mojo "Everett"- Senior Citizen Supporting Member

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    Jeff! I am running new Sanden w/134a, cross-flow condenser and every thing new in AC unit from the firewall out.
     
  8. Dave B

    Dave B I like Mavericks!

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    I'll have to look at the one I have on the shelf in the garage. Thanks for posting this!
     
  9. mojo

    mojo "Everett"- Senior Citizen Supporting Member

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    Put it in the car! Not doin u any gud on the shelf..:biglaugh:
    No need of sweating it out agn nx year coming to the RU! :biglaugh:It's likely to be just as hot as it was this year.
    It's worth the effort - Take my word for it!
     
  10. CaptainComet

    CaptainComet Large Member

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    Everett,

    Sounds like you are pretty happy with the set-up ... if it was keeping you cool enough at the Round-up, it ought to do fine here ... the heat factors are about the same ... 105-110 degree ... :rolleyes:
     
  11. mojo

    mojo "Everett"- Senior Citizen Supporting Member

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    I'll say it ain't like my Buick Lucerne or Windstar mini but, beat the hell out of nothng. Although I never ran the fan on high spd and it seem to do gud job at constant speeds. I think it wud do better w/ new window/door seals. I don't expect it to be as efficient as cars of today no matter what I do. I'll say Im pleased w/ the results for a 40yr old car. Also, a lot nicer not to have to listen to the wind, road and vechicular noise for 4 to 6 hours. Can really enjoy my stero setup - along w/ not sweating. Can't ask for much more than that.
     
  12. Dave B

    Dave B I like Mavericks!

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    The green car has one, all I need is hoses and a compressor...the one on the shelf os for another car :)
     
  13. mojo

    mojo "Everett"- Senior Citizen Supporting Member

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    Ok Gud! We can expect to see u in whichever car ur in nx RU w/ one of them operational. Is that a reasonable assumption to ask the AC guy? :rofl:
     
  14. Dave B

    Dave B I like Mavericks!

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    Huh, I have 2. One is like the 77 one pictures, but..it is tagged 73 Maverick...
     
  15. Jsarnold

    Jsarnold Senior Member

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    My '72 has the "early" style.

    BTW, I suspect that evaporator may be the limiting factor in my system with R134A, Sanden compressor, and serial flow condenser. The anti-icing switch (just made up that name for it) in the evaporator cycles the compressor even on a hot day unless the blower is on high. Seems to me if the compressor and condenser are sufficient to cycle the anti-icing switch, that's all they can do.

    Either the evaporator is the limiting factor or the anti-icing switch is opening too soon. That switch is the ONLY thing that wasn't tested or replaced in the AC system.

    AC works great till the compressor is cycled off on a hot day.

    Expert comments appreciated. :)
     

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