AC hardline routing

[Katfish]

Anyone have pics of how you routed the lines from the AC compressor to the condenser?
I'm thinking I will try using a parts from a 2016 car, condenser and lines and then use my existing evaporator since it's a factory AC car.

All the lines and condenser for the new cars are available and cheap.  I understand the hard lines will most likely need to be modded.  But the connections to compressor and condenser are the tough part, and those are easy to get from RockAuto

Thx

[Cuda Cody]

If you figure it out you might be able to make them and sell them in kits.  Pretty sure there's some people that would like to do it and keep the cost down with new stuff.

[anlauto]

When I do all my recent "resto-mod" builds, all the AC lines are done with rubber hoses, no "hard lines" whatsoever. I but six fittings, three different size hoes and I'm all done, lickidee split !

[Katfish]

When I do all my recent "resto-mod" builds, all the AC lines are done with rubber hoses, no "hard lines" whatsoever. I but six fittings, three different size hoes and I'm all done, lickidee split !

Got any pics of the install?
You crimp your own lines?
I was thinking of taking whatever made sense of the factory lines and adding the rubber sections where needed.
The nice thing about new condensers is the dryer is built into the assembly.

I used a 2016 radiator and fan assembly and that saved me $500, hoping I can do similar for the AC.

[anlauto]

A local Hot Rod shop crimps the hoses for me at $5 a pop

[Katfish]

Ok,can you provide info on the connectors you use for the 3G compressor hook up?

[MoparLeo]

How about a little more detail on what you are working on    and a few pictures would help greatly.

[Katfish]

It's the low mount compressor on a 5.7
But all the 3G motors are basically the same.
What I really need is some pics of the newer cars AC lines.
Nothing pops up on Google search, will probably have to find a local car or car show.

[Brads70]

I'd look on vintage air website , or contact them to see if they have fittings that will work. I just installed one of their kits in my 71 Javelin. Easy install. I bought a hose crimper kit on amazon for under $200 Canadian. Worked great.  Search  a/c hose crimper on amazon.
Mine looks like this one....
https://www.amazon.ca/AMZCNC-Hydraulic-Hydra-Krimp-Conditioning-Handheld/dp/B0946TXPKB/ref=sr_1_6?crid=3U9WIGUKLF37O&keywords=a%2Fc+hose+crimper&qid=1701201849&sprefix=a%2Fc+hose+crimper%2Caps%2C87&sr=8-6&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.71722c10-739d-471b-befb-3e4b9bf7d0d6

[Katfish]

Lot of benefits with the new designs, readily available and CHEAP.
The condensors are <$100 AND have built in dryer and cooler that could be used for oil, trans, or power steering.

[Katfish]

I looked at Vintage, but doesn't look cost effective for a partial install.  And still needs custom lines.
I'd rather be able to buy a part from RockAuto 5 yrs from now and not hope VA is still around.

[Dmod1974]

Check out coldhose.com...  I've used them numerous times over the years including my previous SB and current Hellcat setup.  They can make just about any kind of hose crimped to hard line and fitting combo that you could want in any orientation that you desire and are very reasonably priced.  I'm not a fan of long lengths of rubber hose myself and I use a combo of hard line and flex hose too.  You can check out my resto thread for pics, but I'm not using the OEM condenser or radiator.  Universal condensers like the ones Vintage Air specs are well under $100 as well.  I'm usually all for buying special tools that will save or make me money, but this is one of the few times it just didn't make sense to drop the coin for how little I'd use them so I just bought the hoses premade.

[Katfish]

Check out coldhose.com...  I've used them numerous times over the years including my previous SB and current Hellcat setup.  They can make just about any kind of hose crimped to hard line and fitting combo that you could want in any orientation that you desire and are very reasonably priced.  I'm not a fan of long lengths of rubber hose myself and I use a combo of hard line and flex hose too.  You can check out my resto thread for pics, but I'm not using the OEM condenser or radiator.  Universal condensers like the ones Vintage Air specs are well under $100 as well.  I'm usually all for buying special tools that will save or make me money, but this is one of the few times it just didn't make sense to drop the coin for how little I'd use them so I just bought the hoses premade.

Thx for that link!  They are only 2hrs away from me in Ocala, same area as Garlits museum.  I'll probably end up driving over once I have the condenser figured out and mounted.  I looked back at your build thread, amazing work, but didn't see much detail on the AC hookup in the engine.

[MoparLeo]

Make friends with the Parts Dept at your local Dodge dealer they have the diagrams for about anything and can print it our for you.

[Katfish]

I gave up on trying to retrofit the newer condenser, just no easy solution.
I ended up buying the VA condenser kit, it's a $50 generic condenser with custom brackets that bolts into the stock radiator location.
So it cost me $350, but it fits.
Now I need to figure out the hose routing, I'll start another thread for that.