Anthony P
sharing knowledge with those who care to listen
- Joined
- Jan 24, 2007
- Messages
- 1,260
The OEM all metal (cad or yellow zinc plated) valve was discontinued in 2014 or early 2015. There was enough inventory available that anyone who wanted one could buy as many as wanted pretty inexpensively up until the past year or so.
I've noticed in the past year or so that the available supply from Amazon and the Buick vendors has nearly dried up. So much so that partsplace Jo has them on ebay for $300 each.
even a crappy looking, rusted but functional (for now) control valve has an asking price of $100.
So, I thought I'd share that there is an excellent alternative if you don't need the OE unit for a concours restoration OR don't want the f*ugly black plastic big control valve found via y,m,m lookup BUT WANT A SOLUTION THAT LOOKS MORE LIKE OE.
Well, it exists. And it costs less than a pizza from your favorite shop. I thought folks knew about this but after reading different recent threads here and on the f*book groups, apparently not.
why buy this...
when you can buy this...
same 5/8" hose connection like OE and it's normally open without vacuum. For $7 to $13, you'll get a more OE looking control valve.
It's from Universal Air Conditioner, Inc. PART # HV1022C
it's from Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Mazda applications, mid-1990s to mid-2000s. see the rockauto link for specific F, L, M, M application details. Now to convince the Buick vendors, LOL.
Find this HV1022C control valve via the links below...
Also know there is an identical looking NORMALLY CLOSED version of this control valve. YOU DO NOT WANT THAT VALVE. Don't make a mistake by acting on the F*book group discussions stating to buy the normally closed UAC HV1021C. they are just wrong. you need a normally open heater control valve for our cars.
I've noticed in the past year or so that the available supply from Amazon and the Buick vendors has nearly dried up. So much so that partsplace Jo has them on ebay for $300 each.
even a crappy looking, rusted but functional (for now) control valve has an asking price of $100.
So, I thought I'd share that there is an excellent alternative if you don't need the OE unit for a concours restoration OR don't want the f*ugly black plastic big control valve found via y,m,m lookup BUT WANT A SOLUTION THAT LOOKS MORE LIKE OE.
Well, it exists. And it costs less than a pizza from your favorite shop. I thought folks knew about this but after reading different recent threads here and on the f*book groups, apparently not.
why buy this...
when you can buy this...
same 5/8" hose connection like OE and it's normally open without vacuum. For $7 to $13, you'll get a more OE looking control valve.
It's from Universal Air Conditioner, Inc. PART # HV1022C
it's from Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Mazda applications, mid-1990s to mid-2000s. see the rockauto link for specific F, L, M, M application details. Now to convince the Buick vendors, LOL.
Find this HV1022C control valve via the links below...
UAC HV1022C Heater Valve | Shop Now at RockAuto
UAC Heat & Air Conditioning Parts and More for Your Vehicle at Reliably Low Prices. Fast Online Catalog. DIY-Easy. Your Choice of Quality. Full Manufacturer Warranty.
www.rockauto.com
Also know there is an identical looking NORMALLY CLOSED version of this control valve. YOU DO NOT WANT THAT VALVE. Don't make a mistake by acting on the F*book group discussions stating to buy the normally closed UAC HV1021C. they are just wrong. you need a normally open heater control valve for our cars.