Has anyone used the SpecialT Auto A/C evaporator?

[rothsean]

Question, I bought the SpecialT Auto hoses, evaporator, condenser and accumulator.


Regarding the evaporator, has anyone installed it on their car? Reason I ask, do I need to install my old mesh screen around it during the install? It did not come with one and it fits tight in the box anyways(due to the foam on the top).

Are these evaporators and condensers good for either Freon systems? If I convert in the future I would like to use the same parts.

How about the compressors, do they work with both types of Freon, assuming that the whole system is flushed.

[Kenny_Z]

I recommend this guide http://delorean6575revisited.blogspot.com/2013/08/resurrecting-r12-ac-system-and.html from this thread http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?5840-Alex-s-Step-By-Step-Semi-Full-Restoration-One-Stop-Shop-Car-Blog/page4

[Nicholas R]

I bought and installed the specialTAuto evaporator in 2008. In 2010 I had to replace it because it was leaking; not at a normal place where it would leak, but at the weld where the hoses were connected. I believe he takes an off the shelf evaporator that has similar (but smaller) dimensions than the Delorean, then welds some hoses on to make it look like the Deloreans. Quality certainly must vary; like I said, mine leaked after 2 years. I'm sure you can imagine how thrilled I was to find out that I had to change out my evaporator for the second time...

I bought my current one from Dave Swingle. It was a little thicker (standard DeLorean dimensions) and in my opinion looked a lot higher quality. No issues with this one.

[rothsean]

I already read that write up, it is good. But I am asking if I need to use the old wire mesh screen with the SpecialTAuto evaporator.

Also, are all of the A/C parts compatible with r12 and 134a? Can I use everything and just refill the system with 134a?

[rothsean]

I bought and installed the specialTAuto evaporator in 2008. In 2010 I had to replace it because it was leaking; not at a normal place where it would leak, but at the weld where the hoses were connected. I believe he takes an off the shelf evaporator that has similar (but smaller) dimensions than the Delorean, then welds some hoses on to make it look like the Deloreans. Quality certainly must vary; like I said, mine leaked after 2 years. I'm sure you can imagine how thrilled I was to find out that I had to change out my evaporator for the second time...

I bought my current one from Dave Swingle. It was a little thicker (standard DeLorean dimensions) and in my opinion looked a lot higher quality. No issues with this one.

How did you get the air box back in the car? I cant get it over to the left enough to fit the hoses through the hole in the firewall...

[NightFlyer]

I already read that write up, it is good. But I am asking if I need to use the old wire mesh screen with the SpecialTAuto evaporator.

Also, are all of the A/C parts compatible with r12 and 134a? Can I use everything and just refill the system with 134a?

Concerning using the old wire mesh screen - personally, I'd say that's up to you, as I don't see it affecting operation/performance of the system one way or the other.

Concerning the A/C parts being compatible with R-12 and R-134a - I would have to say yes. The difference/concern between the two refrigerants has to do with molecular size of some of the elements contained within the mixture and that the smaller R-134a particles could in theory permeate through the hoses designed for use in R-12 systems. However, in reality, several owners are running R-134a on all stock/OEM R-12 A/C system components without issue.

As an aside, if you're concerned about R-134a leaking from the system or not being as cold as R-12, which btw have both been dispelled by those actually using R-134a, there are many R-12 compatible hydrocarbon alternative refrigerants available, such Redtek 12a and FrostyCool 12a. Hydrocarbon based refrigerants actually operate at a lower head pressure, thereby extending the longevity of the compressor as it doesn't have to cycle as much, and get just as cold, if not colder than traditional R-12.

My biggest problem with both R-12 and R-134a is that they're both patented by DuPont, which spends a small fortune lobbying our federal government. Funny how R-12 was banned from use in new models by EPA administrative order (and not Congressional legislative action), a month before DuPont's patent on it was about to expire, and that the preferred alternative of choice endorsed by the EPA just so happened to be DuPont's R-134a, isn't it? In my personal estimation, supporting R-134a is akin to supporting crony capitalism, but that's just me.

I sincerely hope that this isn't considered 'political,' as I'm merely stating objective facts.

[Delorean Industries]

Concerning using the old wire mesh screen - personally, I'd say that's up to you, as I don't see it affecting operation/performance of the system one way or the other.

Concerning the A/C parts being compatible with R-12 and R-134a - I would have to say yes. The difference/concern between the two refrigerants has to do with molecular size of some of the elements contained within the mixture and that the smaller R-134a particles could in theory permeate through the hoses designed for use in R-12 systems. However, in reality, several owners are running R-134a on all stock/OEM R-12 A/C system components without issue.

As an aside, if you're concerned about R-134a leaking from the system or not being as cold as R-12, which btw have both been dispelled by those actually using R-134a, there are many R-12 compatible hydrocarbon alternative refrigerants available, such Redtek 12a and FrostyCool 12a. Hydrocarbon based refrigerants actually operate at a lower head pressure, thereby extending the longevity of the compressor as it doesn't have to cycle as much, and get just as cold, if not colder than traditional R-12.

My biggest problem with both R-12 and R-134a is that they're both patented by DuPont, which spends a small fortune lobbying our federal government. Funny how R-12 was banned from use in new models by EPA administrative order (and not Congressional legislative action), a month before DuPont's patent on it was about to expire, and that the preferred alternative of choice endorsed by the EPA just so happened to be DuPont's R-134a, isn't it? In my personal estimation, supporting R-134a is akin to supporting crony capitalism, but that's just me.

I sincerely hope that this isn't considered 'political,' as I'm merely stating objective facts.


The mesh must go back in. For moisture/core freezing reasons.

[DMCMW Dave]

Without the mesh you may get a face-full of water droplets on a particularly humid day.