A/C delete and need to reinstall A/C system

[Mike03Mach]

The previous owner did a full A/C delete and I'm wondering about reinstalling it myself or about how much I can expect to pay to get it done. I took it to one shop and was quoted around $1700.

[craig816]

$1700 is a pretty bitter pill to swallow, they definitely saw you coming.

Should be pretty straight forward repair....a/c compressor, a/c manifold line, and if they removed the drier/condenser, those also. A new belt and tensioner.
Of course I'm a Ford tech, so it would be straight forward for me as I have access to a lift. Not sure how easy it would be on the ground.
I would definitely go with new components, stay away from junk yard/craigslist when dealing with a/c components.

They don't have to be Ford as those older components can cost and arm an a leg from Ford....unless you know somebody who can get them at cost. We have a radiator shop called....of all names....Radiator Depot. They sell complete kits (compressor, condenser, drier, manifold line) as a kit. Shop around, you ought to be able to find a place that will sell you the entire sha-bang bang!

[DSG2003Mach1]

Did they remove the evap core under the dash? If so that's gonna be a ***** as you gotta pull the dash, if they left that in place it shouldn't be too bad

[Mike03Mach]

Originally Posted by craig816

$1700 is a pretty bitter pill to swallow, they definitely saw you coming.

Should be pretty straight forward repair....a/c compressor, a/c manifold line, and if they removed the drier/condenser, those also. A new belt and tensioner.
Of course I'm a Ford tech, so it would be straight forward for me as I have access to a lift. Not sure how easy it would be on the ground.
I would definitely go with new components, stay away from junk yard/craigslist when dealing with a/c components.

They don't have to be Ford as those older components can cost and arm an a leg from Ford....unless you know somebody who can get them at cost. We have a radiator shop called....of all names....Radiator Depot. They sell complete kits (compressor, condenser, drier, manifold line) as a kit. Shop around, you ought to be able to find a place that will sell you the entire sha-bang bang!

I got a parts list from the shop and went online to LMR and pieced everything together for about $500 less then what they quoted me. I wasn't going to buy from craigslist or any other buyer, I was looking at brand new the whole time. I don't want it going out when it's 105 degrees here. I pretty sure I can replace everything myself, but not service it. But not sure if I want to do it or pay someone depending on the price. I just need to get it done by May 3rd, so I have some time.

Originally Posted by DSG2003Mach1

Did they remove the evap core under the dash? If so that's gonna be a ***** as you gotta pull the dash, if they left that in place it shouldn't be too bad

No, that wasn't removed.

[DSG2003Mach1]

honestly I think the worst part of putting it all together will be draining the radiator to put the new AC condenser in then burping the car again. If you do assemble it make sure to use PAG oil on the orings to help avoid tearing one. My biggest concern starting from scratch would be making sure theres enough oil in a bone dry system

[Mike03Mach]

Thanks for the info, still figuring out which route to take.

[DSG2003Mach1]

like mentioned above, see if you can find a parts house that will supply the whole thing, might be able to get a better deal buying it as a kit. If it turns out to be ~$500 difference it might be worth paying the shop to do it so long as they warranty the work.

Typically in that scenario if you do it through them and one of the parts fails EVERYTHING is on them - labor to replace it and they pay for the lost freon etc... same thing if it leaks, you just take it back and its their baby, chasing leaks can be a royal pain in the ***. If they dont put enough oil in the system and it wipes out the compressor (which means then you need to replace the little filter Im blanking on right now as well as the condenser as its nearly impossible to flush them well enough) its all on them to do it over again.

[Mike03Mach]

Originally Posted by DSG2003Mach1

like mentioned above, see if you can find a parts house that will supply the whole thing, might be able to get a better deal buying it as a kit. If it turns out to be ~$500 difference it might be worth paying the shop to do it so long as they warranty the work.

Typically in that scenario if you do it through them and one of the parts fails EVERYTHING is on them - labor to replace it and they pay for the lost freon etc... same thing if it leaks, you just take it back and its their baby, chasing leaks can be a royal pain in the ***. If they dont put enough oil in the system and it wipes out the compressor (which means then you need to replace the little filter Im blanking on right now as well as the condenser as its nearly impossible to flush them well enough) its all on them to do it over again.

That's true and it was something I thought about.

[Mike03Mach]

I'm not going to do the work myself, I've never messed with the a/c system. Yes it'll suck to pay the money but it won't be on me if something messes up. I knew it was going to cost some money to fix her up when I got the car. That's why I got it for a lower price then others around me.