[DeTomaso] Air Conditioner Lines

JDeRyke at aol.com JDeRyke at aol.com
Sun Aug 16 01:28:22 EDT 2009


In a message dated 8/15/09 12:06:07 PM, spleen at spamcop.net writes:

> How difficult is it to replace the air conditioner lines that go through 
> the bulkhead and up to the dashboard?  Do I just remove the center console 
> to gain access to them, or is there more to it than that? 
> 
On our '72L, the lines were only bracketed at the far back, under the 
easily removeable rear part of the console. Then, with the lines loose, you can 
pull them back through- watching the hose with the 90 degree bend to keep it 
from hooking the bottom of any radio you might have mounted, and working it 
around the gearshift. I left the main console and gauge panel in place but 
removed the radio and the gearshift gate so I could see what was happening. 
Be VERY sure you use two open end wrenches- one to hold the fitting on the 
evaporator and one on the hose fitting under the dash. Do NOT try 
untightening the hose by itself- you will crack the copper evaporator tube its hooked 
to, and that means pulling the dash and replacing the whole evaporator. This 
has happened to my knowlege and it was not cheap nor easy to fix! 
Note also that if you're planning on using Aeroquip lines for some 'bling', 
Aeroquip Corp says that their normal lines will not reliably seal off 
freon; they have some special lines and fittings that will, but they aren't the 
speed-shop specials. R-134a is worse than R-12 in this respect and takes 
o-ring fittings and poly-lined barrier hose to reliably seal. Tried it anyway; 
didn't work and now I'm a believer. Good luck- J Deryke



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