Akurma
Active Member
Got my hands on some NOS R-12! going to give the AC system a charge tomorrow and hope for the best
Champion makes a really nice aluminum 3 core radiator exact fit for car cheapFigured id update this thread.
I did get around to trying to recharge the old AC unit, but had no luck. It seems that the clutch isn't engaging on the compressor when it is turned on inside the car. It appears that i can replace just the clutch but I cant find out what exact part is needed, nor how to do it. I am told Four Seasons Part #48809 for HG850 compressor should work but again, not 100% sure. Working AC is not a top priority for me.
On my last drive of the year I was on my way to my families body shop to work on my other Mustang when the lower radiator hose decided to pop off on me at an intersection. Luckily I had my tools with me and was only a block from a food store so I parked it, went inside bought the last gallon of coolant they had tightened the clamp on the hose. Filled it up with the coolant and about a half gallon of water I had in the car and limped it to the shop I was going to anyway. Drained and filled it again. no issues..
Until this weekend. the weather was half decent So I rolled it out of the garage only to find a small wet spot of coolant on the ground. Not only is there a wet spot in a row of fins but coolant is pooling on the lower end tank. So definitely have a leak in my radiator which is original to the car, with a December 1964 date code stamped on it lol. I also believe the water pump is starting to go. I think it is leaking from the weep hole, or possibly the upper rad hose clamp is loose. but cant be positive.
I figure I have to drain the coolant to take the radiator out anyway, might as well replace the water pump at the same time. Not sure if i will try and get the radiator fixed or buy a replacement. When I had a leak fixed the first time the guy told me the inside of it was pretty rusty. might just do better with a new one, Ill have to see what he says. I really dont want a shiny aluminum one in there as it would look out of place compared to the rest of the engine bay.
Cost is about 2-3 times the cost of a good repro.Having your radiator guy re-core your old radiator using the stock tanks would let you keep the stock look. Cost might not be much different than a new aftemarket rad.
Guess things have changed since the last time I had to redo my 70 Road Runner radiator. I had it re-cored and it was about the same cost as a new replacement.Cost is about 2-3 times the cost of a good repro.
Copper prices have gone through the roof and the number of shops that do the work is dwindling fast.Guess things have changed since the last time I had to redo my 70 Road Runner radiator. I had it re-cored and it was about the same cost as a new replacement.
Great project you have going there. My “Other car” is a 68 convertible. I highly suggest to jo8n the Vintage Mustang Forum. You’ll find a wealth of knowledge on these old classics. The weather pump should come off with a Firm wack on the pulley with a rubber mallet.
For Power steering issues, you first call for parts or rebuilding should be to Dan Chock “Chockostang”. He is the most knowledgeable guy around on the, and does great work.
Take heart on the Engine bay. Mine looked at least that bad.
Having your radiator guy re-core your old radiator using the stock tanks would let you keep the stock look. Cost might not be much different than a new aftemarket rad.
Cost is about 2-3 times the cost of a good repro.
For the A/C talk to Classic Auto Air in Tampa. They are the most knowledgeable folks around o; the old systems. They sell most of the parts.
For the radiator I’ve had good luck with ACP Max cool radiators. They look original but cool well.
NPD sells them. If you haven’t already learned about NPD, they are the best in the business for classic Mustang Parts. You’ll need a shroud too For the extra load with A/C.
So did you get it fixed?