Stevemd24 Posted July 5, 2012 Share Posted July 5, 2012 I would like to install some AC in my 1972 240z that has a RB20DET swap already in place, Can this be done? If so What are the difficulties? Any links or thoughts that would help with this endeavor would be grateful Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rayaapp2 Posted July 6, 2012 Share Posted July 6, 2012 It can be done. Your best bet though is to drive to a specialty AC shop. I know there are 2 in Sacramento, but that is the extent of my knowledge there. A shop that can make you lines. If you can figure out how to retrofit newer lines onto your car(Even 260Z lines) and install an evaporator under the dash(either passenger side style or later styles behind the center panel) you will only need to buy a few things new. Provided you have the RB20 compressor and its in good shape, you will need the lines made to adapt the compressor to the chassis lines and a new desiccant can(receiver dryer). Im going to ditch the stock Condenser on my 260Z in favor of a newer more efficient aluminum core, but keep the old evaporator. Im up in the air about keeping the original expansion valve with a fixed orifice system though. I am told the system will work well with R134a without doing all the extra modifications Im thinking off. At the same time, Im looking to keep the parts modern enough so that I can walk in and replace them as needed without the hassles of finding old outdated parts. One tip I can give you is look into AC system cleaners. You system will need to be cleaned out because of the nature of old used components. Once its clean the system can be readied to be tested and charged. Some of the old timer AC guys are the best people to talk to about your questions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
randy 77zt Posted July 6, 2012 Share Posted July 6, 2012 1 of the things I have done on engine swaps is to cut the crimped on lines(that aluminum crimp hose clamp)off with a die grinder/cutting wheel .then get some bulk hose of the correct i.d. and install the parts back into the car and slid on the new correct length hoses that you made.If you take your new hoses the a a/c shop or hydraulic hose shop they can put new crimps on to your custom fit hose.If you can find the original a/c compressor from the rb20 mount it and work from the motor to the car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
feifongwong3 Posted July 7, 2012 Share Posted July 7, 2012 I'm finally glad to see some renewed interest in installing A/C in our RB swaps, no matter what chassis they're in. Living in Texas almost requires A/C and I've been basically backed against a brick wall on this matter. Yes, I know I have to get custom lines for my S130, but what else would have to be modified? Could i remove the expansion vale as said above? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stevemd24 Posted July 7, 2012 Author Share Posted July 7, 2012 rayaapp2' My car is currently in sac getting some upgraded wiring, what ac guy would you suggest? The swap is already done but there is something wonky with it and i am having a professional look it over.... I have zero ac parts from a z or an rb, so it might be a little bit of a chore to get ac in the car, But you have to love ac in the summer time Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rayaapp2 Posted July 7, 2012 Share Posted July 7, 2012 rayaapp2' My car is currently in sac getting some upgraded wiring, what ac guy would you suggest? The swap is already done but there is something wonky with it and i am having a professional look it over.... I have zero ac parts from a z or an rb, so it might be a little bit of a chore to get ac in the car, But you have to love ac in the summer time Polar Bear Auto Care Hals Auto Care Polar Bear has Datsun AC parts available to order new still and only a day or so out if I remember correctly if you need a new receiver dryer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stevemd24 Posted July 7, 2012 Author Share Posted July 7, 2012 Thank you, as soon as I fix the unknown problem with my car, I will have to look into this more, I have been trying hard to restore my car and keep it looking stockish, lol besides teh more power Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
randy 77zt Posted July 8, 2012 Share Posted July 8, 2012 If I had to piece complete system together I would probably go to a company like vintage air and just replace all the old z stuff with better parts that flow more air with less horse power used.R134 is being phased out so if i was going to spend money on a system I would find out what the new refregerent will be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coolwhip Posted July 12, 2012 Share Posted July 12, 2012 We have tons of the RB A/C stuff if needing any of those components. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stevemd24 Posted July 13, 2012 Author Share Posted July 13, 2012 Thanks Cool whip, I will look into it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R3VO 3VOM Posted August 14, 2012 Share Posted August 14, 2012 The hardest part for me was the sway bar. If you use all the stock RB mounts and compressor and all, you need to add a 1 inch spacer in the mount of the bar with shorter end links because the tensioner bracket and pulley occupy the exact same space as the middle of the sway bar. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.