Worth it to rebuild A/C?

[Pender1]

My k5 had A/C at one point in time, but it doesn't appear to have worked any time recently. As best as I can tell all I'm missing is the compressor, compressor mount, a couple of rubber vacuum hoses, and one of the hard lines going to the radiator.

The question is how pricey is it going to get to have the A/C back in working order. I assume some gaskets will need replacing, probably need to flush the system... any help from those more experienced than me would be appreciated.

 

[yevgenievich]

Need compressor, dryer, lines, maybe condenser and refrigirant. Probably looking at $350-$500 range. More if someone else working on it

 

[CorvairGeek]

If you are serious about it and want it to be reliable, buy only a new 'R4' compressor or change over to an aftermarket design, i.e. Sanden (will require custom lines/hoses). Rebuilt R4s don't have a good reputation (they weren't the greatest when they were new either). You will end up spending more in the long run with a rebuilt with failures, contamination and loss of refrigerant.

 

[Rusty Nail]

I vote yes.

Because it's easy to find a K5 without A/C.

 

[Pender1]

Need compressor, dryer, lines, maybe condenser and refrigirant. Probably looking at $350-$500 range. More if someone else working on it

Ouch. I definitely don't have that in the budget. I may just leave it like it is for now and reevaluate later. Got a lot of upgrades to do that I consider more important than cold air. Thanks.

If you are serious about it and want it to be reliable, buy only a new 'R4' compressor or change over to an aftermarket design, i.e. Sanden (will require custom lines/hoses). Rebuilt R4s don't have a good reputation (they weren't the greatest when they were new either). You will end up spending more in the long run with a rebuilt with failures, contamination and loss of refrigerant.

Sounds like this is going to cost more than I anticipated. Think I'll put it on the back burner and come back to the issue later. Thanks.