Has anyone made there own AC lines?

[coach]

Hey Guys,
I'm working on the next phase of my project and the AC lines are just cluttering up the engine bay. I think if I were to cut the ends off, I could flare them and use AN fittings and new stainless line and bend them and route them under the radiator and up to the AC Compressor from the frame rail.
Has anyone ever done anything like this? I know I can have new hose crimped onto the stainless tubing.
I'm not an AC guy, so if I'm overlooking something...please point it out.

Thanks
Coach

 

[tbone87]

U can do it!!!

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[Raeban]

I see no reason why this couldn't work if you got the right style of line that wouldn't get messed up by the refrigerant/oil.
Here is a link to some hoses that should work http://www.carolinaclassictrucks.com/aeroquip-ac-hose-fittings.html

Lastly, the factory connection at the accumulator is already AN style and the suction line connecting to it is flared aluminum. The connections at these points don't require a lot of torque as evidenced by the countless amounts of plastic nuts at this connection as well. I can't think of a specific high pressure side connection that is AN style but I have cut off the ends at the condenser before and TIG welded them on a new lines so that might be an option in the long run for you as well. Good luck and if you do go this route take some pictures

 

[Mike E]

You'll have to have some rubber flex in the line somewhere to account for engine movement and growth and shrink of the stainless hard line. You could probably just machine a new manifold to go on the back of the compressor and weld some an bungs directly onto it.

I'm thinking of putting air back on my car, but I hate the look of a/c lines running everywhere, so I'm interested in this also.

 

[coach]

You'll have to have some rubber flex in the line somewhere to account for engine movement and growth and shrink of the stainless hard line. You could probably just machine a new manifold to go on the back of the compressor and weld some an bungs directly onto it.

I'm thinking of putting air back on my car, but I hate the look of a/c lines running everywhere, so I'm interested in this also.

I plan on using braided AC hose on them. I just want to run them under the radiator instead of on top of the radiator. I was just glancing at my lines and I think I can cut the lines off the back of the AC compressor and flare them to accept some AN fittings and braided lines. Those should be pretty easy to get to run along the frame rail, and under the core support. I know I can make this work...I just need to think on it. I just came up with the idea a few hours ago...lol

 

[5280GN]

If you want to run rubber hoses, Gates has a kit that allows you to run lines through the frame rail or wherever and then clamp the fitting on the end. Makes it a lot easier to snake a hose through their, than a hose with a fitting attached.

 

[Eticket]

hmmmmm... subscribed.

 

[coach]

OK guys...first thing I need to mention. This is not going to happen real soon. I just got my car back together and Im making a list of things I am going to do when I strip it down for paint. I'm just doing homework.