LordVngr
New Member
- Joined
- Jul 5, 2008
- Messages
- 46
- Reaction score
- 0
- Points
- 0
- Vehicle Year
- 1989
- Make / Model
- Ranger
- Engine Size
- 2.9L
- Transmission
- Manual
I've decided to get my A/C system fixed on my 89 Ranger since I plan on keeping the truck awhile. So last week I took it to several shops for a estimate. I also wanted to get it converted over to R134a while I was at it.
The First thing I was told was that it Supposedly has Dealer installed A/C. I was told this because it has a SD709 compressor on it and the hoses are connected up like radiator hoses with the clamps. (See my other post in this section).
This was real suprising to me because I have the Factory evaporator / heater box and there is no under dash unit in my truck. Other then the non-standard compressor and hoses it sure looks like factory. Also I have a high option truck with things like power locks / windows / Tilt wheel, etc. Who orders all that crap on a Truck But doesnt get Factory A/C. Makes No Sense.
Anyway the first 2 shops I took it to wanted to charge me 90 bucks to make up hoses and R134 fittings just to Test the system out to see what it needs. The 3rd shop I took it to Actually tested the system out for 20 bucks and said Everything seems to be working and they could only find a small leak in one of the hose connections. Since I havent had working A/C in Seven Years this was a Nice Surprise to me.
They wanted 300 bucks to replace the leaking fittings, Replace the accumulator, Convert it to 134A, and evac and recharge the system. I was going to go this route But since my A/c hasnt worked in Sooo long that I just feel a month after I spend that 300 the compressor will probably go out or the evaporator or condenser will development a leak and I will be stuck again with no A/C and out that 300 bucks. They offered no warrenty on this job.
I finally decided the best thing to do was to do it myself and just replace the Entire System. This can be done for about 600-700 in parts.
I was out sourcing parts the other day and stopped in this custom A/C place to see how much custom A/C hoses would cost me. Seems they also do A/C work on old classic cars and retrofit non A/C cars with A/C.
Anyway the guy has offered to replace my Entire A/C system for 1100.00 plus tax. This includes All Parts in the system replaced with new parts and a Condensor designed to use 134A. There is a difference I'm being told between R12 condensors and 134a Condensors and it Will Affect how cool the A/C runs. I would also be getting a one year warranty on this job.
I'm very tempted by his offer as it seemes to be very fair. My choices are as follows.
1 - Spend 6 to 7 hundred in parts, spend hours and hours and possibly days replacing everything and then still having to spend another hundred or so to get the system evaced and recharged. Going this route I would have all new parts but no warranty since I did all the work myself.
2 - Bite the bullet and spend 1100 with this guy and get all new parts Plus a condensor designed for 134a from the start and a one year warranty on parts and labor.
I'm really leaning towards option 2 because while it would cost me 4-5 hundred more I wont have to do Any larbor myself, have the satisfaction of knowing a professional A/C shop did the job and I would get the one year warranty on parts and labor.
What do you guys think. What would you do. And is 1100 a fair offer for the work he wants to do. Your opnion please. Thanks...
LV
The First thing I was told was that it Supposedly has Dealer installed A/C. I was told this because it has a SD709 compressor on it and the hoses are connected up like radiator hoses with the clamps. (See my other post in this section).
This was real suprising to me because I have the Factory evaporator / heater box and there is no under dash unit in my truck. Other then the non-standard compressor and hoses it sure looks like factory. Also I have a high option truck with things like power locks / windows / Tilt wheel, etc. Who orders all that crap on a Truck But doesnt get Factory A/C. Makes No Sense.
Anyway the first 2 shops I took it to wanted to charge me 90 bucks to make up hoses and R134 fittings just to Test the system out to see what it needs. The 3rd shop I took it to Actually tested the system out for 20 bucks and said Everything seems to be working and they could only find a small leak in one of the hose connections. Since I havent had working A/C in Seven Years this was a Nice Surprise to me.
They wanted 300 bucks to replace the leaking fittings, Replace the accumulator, Convert it to 134A, and evac and recharge the system. I was going to go this route But since my A/c hasnt worked in Sooo long that I just feel a month after I spend that 300 the compressor will probably go out or the evaporator or condenser will development a leak and I will be stuck again with no A/C and out that 300 bucks. They offered no warrenty on this job.
I finally decided the best thing to do was to do it myself and just replace the Entire System. This can be done for about 600-700 in parts.
I was out sourcing parts the other day and stopped in this custom A/C place to see how much custom A/C hoses would cost me. Seems they also do A/C work on old classic cars and retrofit non A/C cars with A/C.
Anyway the guy has offered to replace my Entire A/C system for 1100.00 plus tax. This includes All Parts in the system replaced with new parts and a Condensor designed to use 134A. There is a difference I'm being told between R12 condensors and 134a Condensors and it Will Affect how cool the A/C runs. I would also be getting a one year warranty on this job.
I'm very tempted by his offer as it seemes to be very fair. My choices are as follows.
1 - Spend 6 to 7 hundred in parts, spend hours and hours and possibly days replacing everything and then still having to spend another hundred or so to get the system evaced and recharged. Going this route I would have all new parts but no warranty since I did all the work myself.
2 - Bite the bullet and spend 1100 with this guy and get all new parts Plus a condensor designed for 134a from the start and a one year warranty on parts and labor.
I'm really leaning towards option 2 because while it would cost me 4-5 hundred more I wont have to do Any larbor myself, have the satisfaction of knowing a professional A/C shop did the job and I would get the one year warranty on parts and labor.
What do you guys think. What would you do. And is 1100 a fair offer for the work he wants to do. Your opnion please. Thanks...
LV