Getting down too the punch list on the body swap. I have installed a Trailduster body on a shortened Ram 1500 chassis with hemi. The Trailduster had a working ac. I am now using the original compressor from the Ram and have installed new condenser, drier, expansion valve, and hoses.I am assuming that the original system on the Trailduster would have used mineral oil. The Ram compressor would use Pag synthetic. It is my understanding that you cannot mix the two. I am at a loss how to proceed. Would like to hear from someone who has been there and done that.

 

Use the oil the compressor wants. After all, that's what its for. Nothing else in the system cares about the oil. Be sure to flush any re-used parts before makin' the change.

 

Flush the mineral oil and use the PAG. I think, but am not sure, Chrysler used PAG 20 or 25.

 

You need to clean out the evaporator(in the dash) since it's the only part that used the R12/oil. Also make sure you don't use any of the old ac hoses. You may have to get hoses made to make the connection to the ac on the hemi.
Where are the pics?

 

New hoses (I make my own hoses),condenser, expansion valve, and drier. Original compressor on the 5.7. Evaporator is the only thing left of the R12 system. Can I successfully purge the evaporator without pulling it? If so, what is the procedure? If I have to pull it I just as well replace it with a Vintage Air. I will eventually get some help from my grandson and post pictures. Fired it up for the first time yesterday. Sounds really good.

 

By evaporator coil, do you mean the cooling coil in the dash? If there's no junk from a destroyed compressor in it, I'd pour denatured alcohol into one line and slight pressure to push it through. Once it comes out clear, blow it out with compressed air. Either that or replace it with a new one. Street rod units are an option but I think the all Chrysler set up would be neat. You will have a one of one at car shows.

 

I think that is what I will do. The AC was working when I pulled the car apart. I remember using the denatured alcohol years ago but I’m getting old and forgetful. Thanks for the input.

 

I too have issues at times...um...what was I talking about?

 

Pictures have been posted on body swap thread

 

I have put over 6k miles on the hemi powered Trailduster. I had a lot of problems with the original heat and air so installed a new Vintage Air Mag 5. Made a real neat installation. I was able to use the origin outlets. The only way you would know it is not the factory unit is the control panel that I fabricated to fit in the original location. I also fabricated a panel to cover the large hole in the firewall where the old unit extended into the engine bay. Works great. This is now my daily driver. I wish I could get the doors to fit better. Too much wind noise. Body panel fit was not a priority with Chrysler in the 70s. I would also remove the top and give it a thick coat of lizard skin if I could come up with a new top to body seal.