WTB 1976 Cordoba W/ 400 BB. I need ADVICE and Engine Compartment Air Conditioning parts. Thanks

[mikeceli]

I haven't bought this 1976 Cordoba 400 CU In YET. Said Cordoba is in EXCELLENT condition except missing AC components and has crap exhaust headers, instead of manifolds. I would like to buy it and restore it's AC and exhaust .

GONE is the following.

Compressor and some, OR ALL OF it's mounting brackets and hardware.

All AC fluid and vapor lines/hoses.

Condenser and mounting bracket and hardware.

Mechanical radiator fan GONE. Aftermarket electric fan installed behind the radiator. Original "Block Style" Expansion Valve IS in it's proper lactation on the firewall.

I will be charging it with R!2 and the proper oil. Is a "Sanden Style" compressor better? Or stick with new, OE style Compressor. Remember, I'll be using R!2.

Will need cast iron exhaust manifolds.

Thanks! Mike Celi, St. George / Washington Utah.

 

[PurpleBeeper]

I owned a ‘78 400 4bbl Cordoba. My 2-cents
1. Keep the headers
2. Either way with the A/C OEM or Sanden, whichever is cheaper and you can find parts for
3. No need for R-12. R-134 is just fine. Sell the R-12 to pay for your entire R-134 A/C system
4. Put the mechanical radiator back in, and probably use an aluminum radiator instead

 

[mikeceli]

I hate headers, especially on a Personal Luxury car.

I run R12 in all my cars that called for R12.

I am not looking for the cheapest route to compressor replacement. I am wondering about the pros/ con Sanden style compressor VS OE style, using R12.

Thanks for you reply!

 

[rickseeman]

Do what you want. But I converted every R12 car to 134A and feel good about it. It's cheaper, easier to find and that makes it better to me. The cooling is the same. Plus the tree huggers love me.

 

[mikeceli]

I respect your opinion, PLEASE, let's not turn my Thread into a R12 VS R134A discussion.

 

[Darter6]

My 88 Ram pickup had the Sanden style compressor and was R-12. So my advise is if you can find big block parts to fit the Sanden that would be the route to go.
That RV/2 is quite heavy. I am doing a 72 Dart Slant 6 and will be retro fitting a Sanden in place of the RV-2.

 

[Tony Tee]

I'd keep the headers if they don't leak. Get rid of the electric fans, the noise is horrible. Get all new refrigerant lines and a modern compressor.
If you go all original? I believe you can still find new oem type replacement refrigerant lines. The most expensive part to replace is the evaporator under the dash, hopefully yours is good. Jmo.

 

[mikeceli]

I decided not to pursue this particular Cordoba. Thank you all! Mikeceli