I have just finished ordering my A/c lines and fittings from Vintage Air to complete my system. I will be using the beadlock fittings. I have twelve crimps that need to be made and the tool they sell cost over $450. Does anybody have any suggestions for alternatives or a tool they might be willing to rent. Steve
A/C lines crimp tool
- Thread starter stevenx40
- Start date
Steven,
As you stated, automotive A/C line crimps require a special crimping tool($400+). HVAC crimps will NOT work on them.
I found an automotive A/C specialist, who crimped mine for a pretty reasonable price.
$150, including hooking up the lines with the proper O-rings, pressure testing the system with nitrogen, vacuuming the system, charging with R134, and a 1 yr leak guarantee. I had to drive my car 50 miles to his shop, in 80 degree heat with no A/C, but it was definitely worth the ride. The cockpit of my car was like a walk-in freezer on the way home!
Make a few phone calls, and you should be able to find someone capable of doing the work locally. Get a guarantee!
Like you, I couldn't bring myself to buy a $400 tool for a one time job! With my luck,
if I had made the crimps, they would have leaked!
Bill
[ May 16, 2003: Message edited by: Bill Bayard ]
As you stated, automotive A/C line crimps require a special crimping tool($400+). HVAC crimps will NOT work on them.
I found an automotive A/C specialist, who crimped mine for a pretty reasonable price.
$150, including hooking up the lines with the proper O-rings, pressure testing the system with nitrogen, vacuuming the system, charging with R134, and a 1 yr leak guarantee. I had to drive my car 50 miles to his shop, in 80 degree heat with no A/C, but it was definitely worth the ride. The cockpit of my car was like a walk-in freezer on the way home!
Make a few phone calls, and you should be able to find someone capable of doing the work locally. Get a guarantee!
Like you, I couldn't bring myself to buy a $400 tool for a one time job! With my luck,
if I had made the crimps, they would have leaked!
Bill
[ May 16, 2003: Message edited by: Bill Bayard ]
Peter Delaney
GT40s Supporter
Steve, I had the same problem but found a local "mobile auto a/c" service mechanic. He had the crimping tool, a myriad of fittings, hoses, electrical connectors, etc - all in the van.
He has made 3 visits so far, & all hoses except the compressor are installed, crimped & sealed. The next visit should be the last - finish off the compressor hoses, install all o-rings, vacuum & charge.
This mobile approach might be the way to go - you can do it in stages, & if you have a serpentine belt set-up, you dont have to worry about how to get the car to the mechanic without running an un-gassed compressor.
Peter D.
He has made 3 visits so far, & all hoses except the compressor are installed, crimped & sealed. The next visit should be the last - finish off the compressor hoses, install all o-rings, vacuum & charge.
This mobile approach might be the way to go - you can do it in stages, & if you have a serpentine belt set-up, you dont have to worry about how to get the car to the mechanic without running an un-gassed compressor.
Peter D.
Pete,
Regardless of whether you run a serpentine or normal vee belt set up, the compressor should not run due to the low pressure switch cut out that should be plumbed/wired into the system even if a/c switch is turned on.
The cut out kills the power to the electro-magnetic clutch so compressor pulley just free wheels on shaft just as if working normanally when compressor cycles off when evaporator gets down to temperature.
Scott.
Regardless of whether you run a serpentine or normal vee belt set up, the compressor should not run due to the low pressure switch cut out that should be plumbed/wired into the system even if a/c switch is turned on.
The cut out kills the power to the electro-magnetic clutch so compressor pulley just free wheels on shaft just as if working normanally when compressor cycles off when evaporator gets down to temperature.
Scott.
