Air Conditioning in 59?

[Jeff Wilk]

We nearly have the entire front clip off the car (as part of replacing the front brake line ......    )and have FULL access to the A/C unit that is tucked away inside the passenger fender area.  I have the entire Heater/AC box off and have restored it.  QUESTION.....While I have this excellent access, what should I do or have done to this part of the unit???  I've had the car for 30 years and the AC never blew cold.  I did take the hoses off the compressor and was very surprised that there was still freon in the lines that came blowing out.  Lines look real clean as well. 

What should I do at this point?  Who can I send this unit too to test or rebuild along with the compressor now that it is all disconnected?

I really have NO CLUE on this system at all.....NEVER touched an AC before.........HELP!!!

[curly]

Wow, still freon after all this time.  I'm surprised it hadn't leaked out by now.  If the system never blew cold for you, then I would suggest that although it had refrigerant, it was low.  The thermostatic expansion valve (TXV) may also have been stuck in the full open position.  While you have access, I would replace the TXV and either replace the Reciever/Dryer (mounted up by the radiator) or have it rebuilt.
Your 59 will have a 'Hot Gas Bypass' valve located near the compressor. Its job is to control the internal temperature.  You might look into a rebuild kit for it, but if it is not leaking you might be better off leaving it alone. 
I had my R/D rebuilt to preserve originality, but if that is not your goal, then aftermarket will be ok.

T Lewis

[J I Garner CLC # 23406]

Be sure the doors are not stuck and replace all the vacuum actuators while they are accessibble and I suspect it will work like new. I am assuming it is somewhat like the 62 models. In my younger days I owned a 1959 Fleetwood and wish I had it today. What a boat!
Jim

[Jeff Wilk]

I have done box with all new actuators and all doors work great. What is the unit tucked up inside the fender that all the compressor hoses run too?  What should i do with that now that it is fully accessible?

[curly]

I have done box with all new actuators and all doors work great. What is the unit tucked up inside the fender that all the compressor hoses run too?  What should i do with that now that it is fully accessible?

That is where the evaporator and TXV are located.

T Lewis

[Jeff Wilk]

Do the evaporator and txv need to be serviced or rebuilt?  With it accessible, id rather have them checked out now if they typically need servicing or repair.

[dadscad]

If I could take the evaporator out easily, I would have it cleaned and pressure tested. 53 years of accumulated dirt on the coil fins will hamper heat transfer. Be sure the drain tube on the evaporator box is soft and clear as well as the interior of the box clean of dirt and debris.

The expansion valve and sealing 0-rings should be replaced along with the filter screen on the inlet side of the valve.