AC Condenser replacement options

[Zoro]

What options are out there for AC condenser replacement? Anything cheaper than $220? Also since I'm replacing that what other parts of the AC should be serviced at that time? My AC has always been ice cold and functional.

[vangremlin]

Is the condenser totally shot?  Radiator shops can do some repair on them.  There is also an Eagle with air conditioning in the junkyard, if you want I could grab the condenser.

[Zoro]

Is the condenser totally shot?  Radiator shops can do some repair on them.  There is also an Eagle with air conditioning in the junkyard, if you want I could grab the condenser.

It's bowed it pretty good and in the process of gently removing it I put a good hole in it.

Pm'ed ya.

[rollguy]

Universal A/C condensers are available on ebay for less than $100 delivered.  Go for a Parallel Flow condenser, it will be more efficient with 134a, and even better yet with R12.   You will need to have hoses made, but most A/C shops can make them  (I can make them as well if I have measurements and fitting sizes).  You will also need a new receiver/drier, and universal ones are less than $20.....Rich

[Zoro]

Universal A/C condensers are available on ebay for less than $100 delivered.  Go for a Parallel Flow condenser, it will be more efficient with 134a, and even better yet with R12.   You will need to have hoses made, but most A/C shops can make them  (I can make them as well if I have measurements and fitting sizes).  You will also need a new receiver/drier, and universal ones are less than $20.....Rich

I'll probably go the universal route as there is pretty much no room where the stock one was with my current radiator.

[Zoro]

In order to get the universal condenser to fit I need to remove and re-engineer the center brace for the core support that hold the hood release mechanism. Anybody here done this?

Last question. Will a bigger condenser give me more cold air? My AC has been converted to R134A and has always worked great except for gridlock traffic.

[BenM]

In order to get the universal condenser to fit I need to remove and re-engineer the center brace for the core support that hold the hood release mechanism. Anybody here done this?

Last question. Will a bigger condenser give me more cold air? My AC has been converted to R134A and has always worked great except for gridlock traffic.

I only needed about 1/2" and was able to mount the radiator a little further back on longer bolts.

The larger condenser will help, but a pair of  small electric pusher fans could be of use. In stopped traffic there are two problems; lack of airflow and a slow compressor.