condenser modification

[Mesa]

I am doing something different with my car's AC system, so much so that I cannot find a perfectly sized condenser for the space I want to use. I found some that are close but not perfect, this leaves me with possibly modding the condenser(s). So my question is - can cross tubes and fins be removed from a condenser and the holes welded up? I have asked a few local shops about this and the sound coming back out of the phone is kind of like ...... uuuuhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

TIA

 

[Dalton Veitch]

Yes they can. I have a condenser on the rear of a Porsche with a notch cut out of one corner to clear a rear window wiper mechanism. Seal all holes securely.
You lose some condenser area and performance, but if a problem, can simply add another small condenser somewhere else. Adjust the refrigerant charge to get the best low air temp/high refrigerant pressure compromise as usual.

 

[Eric]

Dalton is correct. A condenser is really no different from a radiator (or heater core or evaporator). Any competent radiator shop should be able to do what you want. Now, finding one that is willing to do so may be a different story. Make sure it is pressure tested after the modification.

Eric

 

[Mesa]

OK great thanks for the advice. Interesting Dalton you should mention the Porsche (911?) unit as that one actually comes the closest (I noticed the notch you speak of) to fitting my space, but it's too long. I fear that shortening the length of the cross tubes would be a much bigger deal that taking out a row of tubes. I actually have pair of newer 911/Boxster front end units I am considering doing bad things too.

There is a company in Utah (Mylers) that does great things with aluminum motorcycle radiator repair but I have not been able to talk to them yet.