1961 evaporator core repair | Ford Thunderbird club group 1955-2005 T-Bird models

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1961 evaporator core repair

M

Machinist

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Thunderbird Year
1965
I may buy a 1961 TBird. When my Master mechanic who is excellent goes to do a complete maintenance procedure on the AC and it leaks at the evaporator core that's buried behind the dash what is the solution? Don`t you have to remove the dash to change out the evaporator core? That's scary. If by chance there are no leaks, instead of refilling with R12 I have heard that R134a can be used but the proper procedure must be followed. After vacuuming there is a lubricant that oils/preps the system before adding R134a. I am very leery about a 65 yr. old system. Anyone come across these scenarios? Definitely impacting my decision to buy. This is my first post !!! Thank you all and please advise and share your knowledge.

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Machinist said:
I may buy a 1961 TBird. When my Master mechanic who is excellent goes to do a complete maintenance procedure on the AC and it leaks at the evaporator core that's buried behind the dash what is the solution? Don`t you have to remove the dash to change out the evaporator core? That's scary. If by chance there are no leaks, instead of refilling with R12 I have heard that R134a can be used but the proper procedure must be followed. After vacuuming there is a lubricant that oils/preps the system before adding R134a. I am very leery about a 65 yr. old system. Anyone come across these scenarios? Definitely impacting my decision to buy. This is my first post !!! Thank you all and please advise and share your knowledge.
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Yes. It's very labor intensive. I just did this on my non-AC 62 Convertible in order to replace the heater core. If you take your time and tag & bag all the parts - and take lots of pictures - it can be done. If you have to pay a mechanic the labor cost will be eye-watering.

To be clear, if you are somewhat adept at car maintenance, and have time and patience, it can be done. Nothing magical or mysterious about it, it's just time-consuming.
 
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