The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Repair A/C Hoses

I want to repair my A/C hoses on my 69 malibu my self, does any one no of a place to buy the supplies and maybe some instruction on how to do it. The parts houses says they do not have new hoses or parts (pepboys, Autozone) and a shop in town said it would install new rubber hoses on my fittings for $360.00 and I will remove and replace the hoses my self.

Sounds like you got the usual "quickie" parts store answers, on the hoses. Here in N.C., Carquest and NAPA parts houses can make new hoses, using your old metal ends. If no one around you makes them, you can cut the metal sleeve off yourself and use hose clamps with some new AC hose. I know you can find new AC hose at real parts houses, where you live. Maybe the cheap ones, forgot to list AC hose, in their wiper blade computer,lol.

You cant use hoseclamps on any hi-pressure hoses. It wont crush the hose to seal and will blow off when run. That's why they have the machined/pressed ends on them. Aren't these available from Source 1 or whatever that Chevelle/Camaro/GTO parts place is in IN, I'm thinking? Think they're on-line if I could remember their name right! Do a search. Also try Vintage Parts in Beaver Dam, WI at 1-877-846-8243 You have to have the orig GM part # to ask for stuff. Sometimes it's on the hose if it's orig. Seems anyone who makes hydraulic hoses can make these, maybe have to cut yours off and use your metal ends. I would try the restorer catalogs I mentioned at first.

I think they have O'Reilly Auto Stores in Kansas, I work for one in Iowa, and every store can get/make a/c hoses, probably using your old ends, It shouldnt set you back 360 bucks, but a/c hose is kinda spendy

Rob

i'm with g.l. BIG TIME on this. i do a.c. work for dealers and custom guys aroud where i live (koolkar). those skid on fittings and hose clamps have made me alot of money---almost as much as the guys who go buy the cans to do it themselves. stuff to consider:
1. skid on fitting ALWAYS leak
2. if a line blows off it will wait til yer under the hood
3. refrigerant ain't cheap
4. it's gonna cost you just as much to do it right--after you do it wrong.
o.k. now--try the places g.l. said first, and if they can't help see if you can buy the hose from a source outside of where you live--even with shipping it's got to be cheaper than 300.00. if not e-mail me direct--i have sources i use that know me--but require a cert to buy anything. you gonna go with 134? remember to pull a GOOD vacuum on the system before charging. need advice? i'll help as i can.

Don - I don't know what part of Wichita you are in, but try Poorman's or Thrift Auto. Thrift will give you better service and advice than anywhere else in town. No Napa in Wichita anymore, O'Rielly on every corner, but most don't have good counter help.

Everyone has some good points to consider. If I were you, since that year is so popular, I would contact the specialty companies (look in Chevy High Performance or Super Chevy magazines). The NEW, ABSOLUTELY CORRECT, fit-perfect hoses will cost you less than you were quoted. I've had to do custom A/C hoses before, and they are ALWAYS more expensive that the stock pieces. Make sure you get the right type of hose too. There are 2 types of hose, the stuff for R-12 and for R-134. R12 hose will work, but since the R-134 molecule is smaller than the R-12 molecule, eventually you WILL lose the charge on your A/C. Spring for a new reciever/dryer while you are doing this. They get contaminated after a couple years, and should be replaced any time the system is opened (it's sort of like a filter).

Don

I think you need to try an AC place that isn't trying to rip you off. I had all the hoses redone on my 56 Buick at Springer Auto Air in Biloxi, MS and it was only about $175 and the Buick has hot gas by pass system with three hoses out of a muffler and bypass valve.

Don, you got some good answers and I'll agree, that it is better to use crimped ends on the A.C. hose. Before you guys think I just fell off a watermelon truck, I have been working on vehicles for 35 years. The suggestion to use the hose clamps with the barbed fittings, is a last resort use. They aren't perfect, but beat not having any hose at all. We have 18, Wheeler Coach ambulances, that stiil use the barbed ends on a few fittings, and some have lasted over 100,000 miles without leaking or blowing off. To sum it up, use the crimped ends if you can, if not, do whatever is necessary.