DeTomaso Mailing List: June 97, Message #173
     



From: kbecker@deltanet.com (Kevin Becker)

Subject: Re: Installing Rotary AC

Date: Fri, 13 Jun 1997 23:15:33 -0700 (PDT)



>I want to install a rotary AC system using R-134.  What kinds of

>experiences has anyone had and what parts do I need.  The car  currently

>has the stock AC system and I don't think I want to put any money into

>it.

>

>Is it better to order a "KIT" from a Pantera dealer or can I just go to

>an auto parts store and buy compressor, dryer, etc.



Frank,



I just installed a new rotory system in my car, but used R12.  I checked

into R134, but because of its relative ineffeciency compared to R12,

decided not to use it.



Installation of the system was suppose to take about 6-8 hours.  I ended up

spending almost 20 hours on it.  There were little things I took care of

along the way, like grinding the studs that hold the rear grill so that

they do not stick into the condensor, etc.  I had the most fun trying to

get the idler pulley off--This is a 2 person job.  You must attack it from

under the car near the oil pan.  It is a pain for one person to do.  I

ended up with a contraption that looked like that old "mouse trap" game,

holding a wrench on the front, and going at the nut from under the car.

Then I cleaned it, etc.  I suppose if I just slapped everything on the car,

it would have taken about 6 hours.



I replaced everything in the system except for the evaporator (in the

dash).  If you want to use R134, you need to flush the evaporator with some

special solution available from your local shop.  Since all of the fittings

in the panteras air system are compression fittings instead of o-rings, you

don't really have to change anything except start with a clean system (no

old oil), and use the R134 oil in it.



A word of caution---the evaporator is alum, and it would be very easy to

fracture it if any torque is put on the metal hoses that come out of it.

Always use 2 wrenches to do the fittings.



If I can be of any more help, let me know.  Finally, I purchased all of my

parts from one of the pantera suppliers.  I calculated the costs doing it

locally, etc. and with the sales tax implications, it just wasn't worth it.

Plus, I like to support those companies which are pantera dedicated.  It

may cost a few more bucks than the local place, but the local place can

never answer questions for me about the pantera, doesn't stock pantera

parts, etc.  Therefore, I am willing to spend more for that service,

stocking, and knowledge.



Kevin







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