A/C Condenser

captincoolest · 07-13-2005

I have a 70 GT with the GM A/c System. The previous owner tryed removing the Battery through the top of the car. In the process he destroyed the Condenser. I was wondering if this condenser is still avaliable or if any other GM vehicles used this same condenser?? If not am I looking at fabricating hoses to install a different type of condenser. This is the second condenser I have seen this happen too on the GT. Has anyone else seen these condensers destroyed.
Thanks for any help!!
Eric

namba209 · 07-13-2005

I can't believe someone did that. Didn't they understand the panel hole in belly pan was put there just for the purpose of removing the battery. Truly a case of being ignorant and then getting really PO'd to destroy a condensor. I can't answer your question about a replacement condensor, although there are airconditioning shops that may be able to get a suitable replacement. If you do need new hoses, let the AC shop build them, there's a lot of pressure in that system and special hose clamps and fittings are needed.

baronbors · 07-14-2005

Originally Posted by namba209

Didn't they understand the panel hole in belly pan was put there just for the purpose of removing the battery. Truly a case of being ignorant .

Fortunatly my battery will easily come out of the top in the space between the radiator and the front opening. But being ignorant, I don't think I ever noticed a panel for removal. Exactly where is this panel located?

namba209 · 07-14-2005

Well Tom, I guess it's open foot, insert mouth, for me. If you don't see the panel, it probably wasn't put in your GT with the AC system. It's gotta be a large panel for the battery to go down through. Here's a pic of mine, I had the body shop put a frame around the hole so I can, later on, get another skin put on. They did a rough install of a hinged panel, the original left the car some years ago when the sheetmetal screws that held the panel in place fell out. You, ignorant? No, just me, for not realizing you may not have had the panel. HTH.

nobody · 07-14-2005

The bodies were only done that way with factory air. For aftermarket they usually didn't do it but just added the goodies to make it function.

GTJIM · 07-14-2005

It must be immense fun getting a battery in and out through that hole - best argument I have ever seen for putting a sealed battery inside the car ....
Imagine the battery terminals contacting the bodywork while lifting the battery through that hole.

nobody · 07-14-2005

Eric as for a replacement condensor that might be a tall order. Summer time and alot of Opelers are thinking put it in not take it out. On the other hand if you could post a pic or dimensions I could probably cough one up.

namba209 · 07-14-2005

Jim, that's the main reason to have a strap or carrier, to get it down through the hole without shorting the posts, also because the battery is usually taller than the belly pan, it has to be jacked up to get it out from under the car.

Dave, here's a couple of pics, front and rear of my condensor with tape measure alongside. It measures roughly 17" X 17". HTH.

tekenaar · 07-14-2005

Originally Posted by nobody

The bodies were only done that way with factory air. For aftermarket they usually didn't do it but just added the goodies to make it function.

Little terminology confusion here, think Dave meant GM air (factory) and ARA air (aftermarket), as those were the only two systems available and neither was ever installed at the factory. All were dealer installed and, to the best of my knowledge, only offered as an option in the US . . . none of the foreign Opel brochures I've seen even listed A/C, at least not for models available here.

nobody · 07-14-2005

Yes Otto your right, what I meant to say was that depending on the dealer it was or wasn't done. I've seen 3 AC GTs in the last month and none were done that way.

captincoolest · 07-14-2005

Here are some pics of my condenser. As you can see is in terrible condition. I also believe the big hole in the condenser might be from shorting the battery post to it. After all this trouble I moved the battery to a new location. Please let me know if you find a condenser.
Thanks
Eric

07-13-2005	#1 (permalink)
captincoolest Opeler Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: KY Posts: 3	Unanswered: A/C Condenser I have a 70 GT with the GM A/c System. The previous owner tryed removing the Battery through the top of the car. In the process he destroyed the Condenser. I was wondering if this condenser is still avaliable or if any other GM vehicles used this same condenser?? If not am I looking at fabricating hoses to install a different type of condenser. This is the second condenser I have seen this happen too on the GT. Has anyone else seen these condensers destroyed. Thanks for any help!! Eric

07-13-2005	#2 (permalink)
namba209 6,000 Post Club Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Imperial Beach, CA South of San Diego Posts: 6,054 Provided Answers: 6	I can't believe someone did that. Didn't they understand the panel hole in belly pan was put there just for the purpose of removing the battery. Truly a case of being ignorant and then getting really PO'd to destroy a condensor. I can't answer your question about a replacement condensor, although there are airconditioning shops that may be able to get a suitable replacement. If you do need new hoses, let the AC shop build them, there's a lot of pressure in that system and special hose clamps and fittings are needed. __________________ Ron 72 GT 3.4L V-6/T-5/ZF posi - almost done - Just need AC installed. 75 Chevy monza 5.7L/TH350/Auburn 3.08 posi - Next

07-14-2005	#6 (permalink)
GTJIM Old Opeler Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: New Zealand Posts: 5,686 Provided Answers: 12	Fun?? It must be immense fun getting a battery in and out through that hole - best argument I have ever seen for putting a sealed battery inside the car .... Imagine the battery terminals contacting the bodywork while lifting the battery through that hole. __________________ GTJim Opel Owner since last Century! Copyright © 2000-2009 J D Henry All Rights Reserved

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07-14-2005	#5 (permalink)
nobody No Access Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: in transit Posts: 3,873 Provided Answers: 1	The bodies were only done that way with factory air. For aftermarket they usually didn't do it but just added the goodies to make it function.

07-14-2005	#7 (permalink)
nobody No Access Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: in transit Posts: 3,873 Provided Answers: 1	Eric as for a replacement condensor that might be a tall order. Summer time and alot of Opelers are thinking put it in not take it out. On the other hand if you could post a pic or dimensions I could probably cough one up.

07-14-2005	#10 (permalink)
nobody No Access Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: in transit Posts: 3,873 Provided Answers: 1	Yes Otto your right, what I meant to say was that depending on the dealer it was or wasn't done. I've seen 3 AC GTs in the last month and none were done that way.

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