70 challenger a/c

[mikeporp]

I want to put the air condition components back into my 1970 340 challenger.  does anyone know if the components from a 71 340 Barracuda would be the same and bolt up the same. thanks
Mike

[anlauto]

Yes they would be the same

[1 Wild R/T]

They would be close enough to work, the condenser, liquid line & receiver dryer are not the same......  Actually I just did some searching, early cars are the same, some time in 71 the changed the design slightly...

[mikeporp]

okay, thanks for the info. I'll try and find out when the 71 was produced

[roadman5312]

                  Your much better off in the long run going a Vintage Air unit.   

                                                                                     

[1 Wild R/T]

                  Your much better off in the long run going a Vintage Air unit.   

                                                                                     

In your opinion.... Not mine....    You might be surprised how well the OE system works.... FWIW I've converted to a Sanden compressor with the stock condenser & box... In the past I even used the RV-2 compressor.... Driving my Challenger Convertible home from Las Vegas passing through the appropriately named town of Baker California the big thermometer was reading 118 degrees... the air coming out my vents was 42 degrees.... Interior of the car was 85 but convertibles don't have the best insulation...  Plus with the OE system you have the option of fresh air or recirculated air... With all the aftermarket systems recirculated air is your only option....

What exactly do you see making an aftermarket system better?

[AARTA340]

Years ago I bought a complete system from a wrecking yard with dash and all the components out of a 73 Cuda. It fit into a 71 Challenger perfectly. And yes, both small blocks. Cuda was a 340, Challenger was a 318. Still blows cold to this day and still has the R12 from over 30 years ago. 

[mikeporp]

I honestly wasn't even concerned if the a/c worked. I figured I'd have a hard time even finding a complete a/c setup. Just wanted to get it on there because the car came with it. But luckily a guy contacted me that lives an hour and a half away that has a 70 318 barracuda Texas car that he is taking the complete a/c system off. He said it was recently serviced in Texas and was already converted to r134... Feeling lucky...on a side note someone I know that does a/c said the older ones work better. Thanks
Mike

[roadman5312]

In your opinion.... Not mine....  

What exactly do you see making an aftermarket system better?

                       First, they are more compact, take up less space and weigh less. Second they are all electronic. Blend doors are operated by electric motors, not vacuum motors. The heater control valves are electronic, not cable operated. So they are more precise. Third the evaporator cores of todays air conditioners (R134 ) transfer more heat to the coil than the ( R12 ) evaporators.
Forth the condensers are designed  to much more effectively eliminate the heat that was removed from the cabin of the car. And true, most block off the the cowl vent    But if I want outside air I'll turn the air off and open the window. 
                                                                                         
                                                                             

[mikeporp]

Well it looks like I'm in a pickle, ( but a good one I guess) I found a guy who has an original setup from an early 71 Barracuda all original that worked 10 years ago for $250. He has everything except the two brackets that holds the condenser to the radiator. and the guy with the Texas car who has the complete set up still on the car for $300. but was converted to the r134 so the components are not original. like I said I'm more concerned about the originality not necessarily that it works so I think I'm going to probably go with with a gentleman that has all the original stuff just need to find the two brackets. Hope I can find them. Thanks everyone for the input and if anyone knows where I can find the brackets let me know. Thanks
Mike

[roadman5312]

                     So you want to install an original unit just for the looks, and don't care if it works or not ?

Well I have some underhood parts if ya need them ? I also build hoses from factory original metal tubes if you need. Don't have the brackets though. 

                                                                               

[mikeporp]

Yep. Call me crazy but I want all the original components on it. Plus it's a convertible how often would it be used. if anyone has the brackets, please Let me know.
Thanks

[AARTA340]

I am with you Mike, keeping the originality look. The older units only work better due to the refrigerant. R12 has better heat exchanging  values than 134A, but is harsher on the environment. I bought a few jugs way back when it was on the of being phased out. Worth a small fortune today, as most of it is recycled and sells for an insane amount. To coin a phrase from Alan, eBay is your friend if you can't find the brackets here.  good luck with the project   

[mikeporp]

Thanks AARTA340. Yes the originality means more to me than the cold air.

 

[AARTA340]

  Found this in less than 30 seconds!! Reasonable too!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1970-74-AC-AIR-CONDITION-CONDENSOR-BRACKETS-CUDA-CHALLENGER-CHARGER-MOPAR-/131526653218?hash=item1e9f997522&vxp=mtr


Here is the full search I used, hope this helps.
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=1970+challenger+ac+-fits&_sop=10&_geositeid=0&_osacat=64007&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.TRS0&_nkw=1970+challenger+ac+-fits&_sacat=0