MidnightRider Posted March 9, 2012 Share Posted March 9, 2012 Another stock part broke on my 60,000 mile 78' Z. The AC compressor has failed, I'm almost positive it's just the bearings because when you switch the AC on the compressor makes a horrible grinding racket but still blows cold. I checked MSA for a replacement and called Classic Auto Air but they said the later 280z compressors aren't made anymore and they didn't want to touch the one I have. Has anyone had theirs rebuilt and if so, where? Any place to get a new one? Any aftermarket or swap options? I've seen a couple on here while searching for info, but they seemed to all be for motor swaps. I'm running an L28. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LanceVance Posted March 9, 2012 Share Posted March 9, 2012 (edited) Funny that someone should ask this, as I've been looking for different compressor options myself... I've been looking however, at electric models which can be mounted someplace other than under the hood. THIS is what I am contemplating using. It runs off DC, unlike current hybrid (think Prius) compressors which use AC, and require a bunch of extra electronics to function. I'm still a long ways off from buying anything comfort related (Have to get the engine and body straight first) but I would like to use something like this. I'm planning on a shaved engine bay, so this gives me some options that will allow me to hide the compressor, and avoid any extra underhood clutter! EDIT: I also found THIS, and THIS. Both might be possible electric alternatives. Edited March 9, 2012 by LanceVance Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
randy 77zt Posted March 9, 2012 Share Posted March 9, 2012 Its probably just the bearing on the clutch and you could probably get this part by buying on old z compressor at the local wrecker and taking the parts you need off of it.next choice would be to change over to newer sanden compressor-which would take making custom hoses and a new compressor mount.the sanden compressor takes much less HP to turn. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eddieeats Posted March 11, 2012 Share Posted March 11, 2012 I rebuilt mine last year off a 77 280z. I had no idea of how so I just pulled it apart and found that there are no bearings just bushings and three pistons inside. I went to a O-Ring supply company here in Denver and replaced all the o-rings & oil found at Napa (the bottle was defiantly from the 70's LOL). then I filled it up with R34 instead of R12 and it worked (40 at the vents) but I haven't yet checked it out this year to see if it held over the winter. It was pretty easy to do but like everything 90% of the time spent was just cleaning all the parts to get the grease off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MidnightRider Posted March 12, 2012 Author Share Posted March 12, 2012 I'm thinking it may be a loose fan belt. Late 60's mustangs will make that grinding noise if the fan belt isn't tight, and mine definitely is not. It squeaks frequently. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lone_Star Posted March 13, 2012 Share Posted March 13, 2012 I had my factory compressor rebuilt by a local company in Fort Worth - Yellow Rose. After the second rebuild in a year due to leaking, I swapped it with a Sanden unit. A couple of new rubber hoses made to match the old lines and the new compressor, a little time adapting the stock compressor bracket, and it was good to go. Unless you are going for originality, I would go for the Sanden compressor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MidnightRider Posted March 13, 2012 Author Share Posted March 13, 2012 I had my factory compressor rebuilt by a local company in Fort Worth - Yellow Rose. After the second rebuild in a year due to leaking, I swapped it with a Sanden unit. A couple of new rubber hoses made to match the old lines and the new compressor, a little time adapting the stock compressor bracket, and it was good to go. Unless you are going for originality, I would go for the Sanden compressor. How did you know it needed to be rebuilt? Did it make a loud grinding noise? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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