Want to up-grade A/C to new 134 and rotary compressor

[ncsurfer]

Can someone tell me who I can contact to purchase an up-grade kit for my original A/C unit. Also, can I use the original A/C bracket?

[Raymond]

A few years ago I installed a Sanden 508 and have been very happy.  I bought it and a "York to Sanden" mounting adapter from Old Air Products in Texas.  I believe it was Ft. Worth.  The adapter bolts onto the existing bracket.  The adapter and new compressor together weigh less than the Frigi-King (York) piston compressor and the rotary works so well that you can't tell when it kicks in.  I also sent them my old drier and they cut it open replaced the media and sealed it back up.  That way you can keep the period drier with inspection glass that you can't really find anymore.

For my application, I had a few cans of R-12 so I went with the model that is dual purpose.  If I ever need to go to R-134, all I do is drain the compressor oil, put in the PAG-14 and use the 134.  In the mean time, the R-12 gets so cold I could store meat in there.

At the same time I did that, I put in a new condensor that had more, smaller diameter tubes in it.  I'm sure that helped with the cooling efficiency.  It came from a source in California and has the same volume as the original condensor.  It's important for the condensor side and the evaporator side to have the same capacity for good balance. 

Good luck.  I know you'll be happy with the results.

[ncsurfer]

Thanks Ray,
Was the York to Sanden adapter plate a flat plate number 40-608, or the claw bracket 40-607? I am betting that it is the 40-608 flat plate.
Also, you said you bought the dual propose model. Did you buy that from Old Air Products also?
Thanks, Steve

[ja17]

Hello Ray,

I take it, that you used the original W113 bracket also with the adapter and left the compressor mounted at under the alternator?  Some conversions locate the alternator back to the bottom and use a sedan bracket to mount the compressor above.

Thanks,
ja17

[ncsurfer]

Hi Joe,
Which way do you thin is the best way to convert the A/C?
Thanks, Steve

[ncsurfer]

Joe, What would I need to convert the compressor to the top?

[ja17]

We used a simple sedan AC bracket common to all the six cylinder sedans of the era, the adapter plate and a top thermostat housing which had a slightly higher output opening to clear the AC Bracket. Also you would need the original style alternator bracket which locates the alternator down in the original location. The original crankshaft pulley also needs to be installed.  So unless you have access to some good used parts donor cars, this may not be the easiest route to take.

Here are a few pics...

[ncsurfer]

Joe, Thank you for your help. I will check  with some of my SL buddies to see what they have and if I can't find the needed parts, I will probably just buy the $45.00 adapter plate and go to the next phase of bringing my 280 back to life.