We've had this conversation a number of times in the past..it comes up discussing differences in 6 and 8 cylinder radiators. The answer we've always had was the core supports are all the same. Now that I am trying to figure routing for my aftermarket A/C condenser lines, I am now wondering if in fact there was a different core support for factory A/C cars? If anyone has a '57 with factory A/C, I'd sure like to see a pic of how they routed the A/C lines. Probably won't help me, but I sure am curious.
Rich - have you considered hard a/c lines as opposed to the normal rubber a/c lines. Hard lines would fit right in with the high quality of your build.
Considered them...for a short while. Would be very difficult to make mock-ups to have a shop do them for me. If the compressor was up top, I'd go that route or spend the bucks for the stainless flex lines. With the compressor being on the bottom, and with my bulkhead on the kickpanel, and running the lines thru the wheel side of the wheelwell (up high)as Bill sugested, you would have to look real hard just to see them.
Of course everything I've said here is with the visual in mind. I honestly don't know if the rubber lines are a problem functionaly or long term. I'm assuming since they seem to be pretty common that dependability shouldn't be a problem. I understand the quality isn't the same as hard lines, but on my budget I sometimes have to make the best with the concessions I have to make.
Concerning the core support...just a note: the A/C line would be a no problem project if I hadn't moved the radiator forward...I could have just gone thru the side wall of the support (the one that's 90* and adjacent to the flange the radiator mounts to)
I used all aftermarket (Vintage Air) and stainless braided (Aeroquip style) hose. Routing through the core support was challenging. The next assembly, I plan on using hard line to route through the core support. The routing will be a better fit with the smaller OD tubing and the tighter bends. Another problem with braided hose is the clocking of angle fittings. Clocking one end is not a problem. If angle fittings are required on both ends, there will be clocking issues. It is really difficult to hold required clocking with stainless hose. If clocking is not near perfect, the hose will have a twist that will always stress the fittings which will be the first place for a failure.
I will go with the tubing due to the clearance issues but if someone has a secret to clocking braided hose, please share.
I have a factory Selectaire Skyliner.
Also have the factory a/c installation instruction manual.
I will check and see what info I can find out for you.
Think I remember 1 line over the top and 1 thru the core support but, let me check Fri.
BTW all core supports 57-59 are the same.
Later,
Ron.
Thanks Ron...I'm just wondering if what you have has extra holes in it that the non a/c cars don't have.
Rich,others
I looked at the car today. The top hose comes out of the top of the compressor forward to a point halfway between the bottom of the radiator top tank and the top radiator mounting bolt then it makes a 90* left turn and straight into the condenser.
The hose from the evaporator comes forward along the top of the inner fender crease between the battery/inner panel and over the core support corner bracket and turns 90* down to the bottom of the condenser.
If I remember you have moved your radiator forward which will limit the space available for the top hose to curve around.
BTW, There are no extra holes in the core support.
Hope this helps,
Ron.
Thanks for the info. I'm waiting on some tranny cooling line fittings to come in so I can get those installed. Once they are in, I'm going to install the passenger side wheel well and the "splash panel" that goes behind the grille, under the headlights. From there I can actually see where I can go with the lines from the condenser. From an old pic I have, I'm thinking my best route may be thru that splash panel...hopefully I'll know by the end of next week.
Are you trying to hide the lines? If not over the top should be the easiest route.
Goodluck,
Ron.
Ron...as much as posible. We recently talked about this, but my compressor is on the bottom and my bulkhead is on the sidewall, so routing the compressor/condenser end low will make them really hard to see. The evaporator /bulkhead lines I'm thinking outside, high on the wheelwell as Bill had sugested.