A/C hoses?

shadango

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SO obviously A/C parts like hoses are no longer available OEM.

What is the go to way of replacing hoses these days?

Local shops do not seem to know what end is up sometimes....

One shop told my son that you cant use the new freon in an old R12 system because it operates at higher pressures...

Is there any online option for buying premade hoses ? 1980 Volare, slant 6.

Thanks all!
 
With V8 and some of the /6 applications aftermarket hoses are available. You might be able to find something that works if the lengths are similar.
 
Have you checked places that make hydraulic hoses? Some may be able and willing to make an AC hose. They may use the old ends if necessary due to availability.
 
Any place that does AC work can make them. Any mechanic that does AC has a hydra krimp in their tool box. I can make them. The crimp tool is $300. You can buy it and some shells and it's probably still cheaper than going somewhere. I make lines all the time. It's routine daily stuff. Call around or buy the tool.
 
One shop told my son that you cant use the new freon in an old R12 system because it operates at higher pressures...
Technically, that is true. But, reality is it will work less efficiently because of the lower pressure differential and R134a is a less efficient refrigerant than R12 which is why it needs the higher pressure differential. Other more relevant things to consider for a conversion is replacing seals and complete evacuation of the R12 and R12 oil and any traces of water. More obvious, the connectors are different sizes to evac and recharge the system.
 
The bottom line is you need your AC system redone. You need to
A. Take it to someone who knows what they are doing
B Pay for it

It's not rocket science. People can go back and forth on the internet for weeks or months about this and that but it isn't going to make your car cold inside.
 
The bottom line is you need your AC system redone. You need to
A. Take it to someone who knows what they are doing
B Pay for it

It's not rocket science. People can go back and forth on the internet for weeks or months about this and that but it isn't going to make your car cold inside.
(deep, patient breath)

It's not rocket science, indeed.

Kind of a snarky reply, maybe? If that is not how you intended it apologies, but to me, it comes across that way. Life is too short to be anything besides nice..,..especially online where sometimes it is hard to know the intention of a comment.

That said --- "bottom line" here is I am mostly looking for help finding hoses.....and I am aware they can be made , but that specialty is going by the wayside at least around here.......used to be 4 shops that did it back in the 1990s and 2000s for me.....now there is ONE. My son is in a place with even fewer choices so far. HENCE -- looking to see if pre-made is even still a possibility.

The refrigerant comment was an aside, and mentioned because the local shops around him DONT know what they are doing apparently with old rides....so your premise of A&B don't hold until someone who DOES know what they are doing is found, that wont rape us.

The old AC system is just basically parts that bolt together....basic automotive stuff.....with the addition of needing to pull a vacuum and such.....my son is more than capable of doing the mechanical part....and he is looking to have the evacuation and refill done by a shop WHO KNOWS WHAT THEY ARE DOING.

So you advice is ....well, misplaced.

As for "going back and forth for weeks"......I don't mind. If anyone does, they should just scroll by.
 
Technically, that is true. But, reality is it will work less efficiently because of the lower pressure differential and R134a is a less efficient refrigerant than R12 which is why it needs the higher pressure differential. Other more relevant things to consider for a conversion is replacing seals and complete evacuation of the R12 and R12 oil and any traces of water. More obvious, the connectors are different sizes to evac and recharge the system.
Yeah we already had the system "converted" several years ago.....kiddo replaced the evaporator, and the shop here did the rest of the conversion, evacuated it, filled it.... and it worked for a while....but a hose went bad.....probably should have redone all the hoses THEN (some 10 years ago) but budget and time etc....the connectors etc have already been done. Thanks for the advice.
 
Have you checked places that make hydraulic hoses? Some may be able and willing to make an AC hose. They may use the old ends if necessary due to availability.
Yes sir.....Around HERE there were 4 places I knew well that did them.

That number is down to one.

My son is in Ohio and he is having trouble finding a shop that does them.

I told him worse comes to worse, send me the hose and I will have it done at the last shop I know of around here.....a NAPA shop.
 
With V8 and some of the /6 applications aftermarket hoses are available. You might be able to find something that works if the lengths are similar.
There is one brand that still made them a few years back (I cant for the life of me think of the name right now....)...Auztozone's online catalog showed them having them.....but when contacted "we cant get them anymore". :(
 
There is one brand that still made them a few years back (I cant for the life of me think of the name right now....)...Auztozone's online catalog showed them having them.....but when contacted "we cant get them anymore". :(
I don`t have a book for 1980 or I would look up the part numbers for you. Sometimes the sellers on ebay only list the mopar part number not the application.
 
I've got 1980. Hopefully this helps 20250804_125650.jpg20250804_125658.jpg20250804_125716.jpg20250804_125737.jpg20250804_125809.jpg20250804_125813.jpg
 
arizona parts shows 5 of these hoses

Mopart Part Number: 3847166​


Description: A/C SUCTION HOSE


Year: 1980-83 /225


Quantity: 5


Bin: 2029


Price: $92.00
 
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