Dash is out, now what?
03-05-2017, 04:14 AM
#16
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If you gonna replace the evaporator cause it 'might' leak, should just as well replace everything that could wear out, while that dash is out.
03-05-2017, 09:13 AM
#17
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It isn't 'might' leak. It is leaking now. The only question is from how many of the Cu-to-Al joints.
Yeah, Genius. That's exactly what is being suggested: every wear item that is past 50% of it's expected or demonstrated lifetime.
should just as well replace everything that could wear out, while that dash is out.
03-05-2017, 10:07 PM
#18
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Agreed on the evaporator. This is the time to access it, and clean the whole housing. You don't want to go through this again when the evaporator starts leaking. The part is pretty expensive, though. There are independent sellers in Europe that offer it at a significant discount, but I have not seen this in the US.
Same with all the vacuum diaphragms. Those are a real pain to access, unless the dash is out. Don't forget the one for the footwell flap. I didn't do this one myself, but if I remember correctly, this one is accessed from the engine side.
There is a rubber manifold behind the HVAC solenoids. This hardens over time, and - in my case - started leaking. Much easier to access with console removed. A good time to replace all the rubber connectors as well.
I recommend you get the console and arm rests recovered at the same time, with matching new material. It will not look good to have a mix of leather with different patina, threading, or a leather/vinyl combo.
Consider reinforcing the mounting tabs of the center console while you have it out. You can get the kit from Garage9 (Jager Engineering); Rob Budd (classic9leathershop.com) probably has it as well. Or you can make your own metal bracket.
If you end-up having the arm rests recovered, you may want to reinforce the plastic tabs of it as well. There are two different kits out there - one with two aluminum brackets from Garage9, and a larger one that covers it all with one large bracket.
Same with all the vacuum diaphragms. Those are a real pain to access, unless the dash is out. Don't forget the one for the footwell flap. I didn't do this one myself, but if I remember correctly, this one is accessed from the engine side.
There is a rubber manifold behind the HVAC solenoids. This hardens over time, and - in my case - started leaking. Much easier to access with console removed. A good time to replace all the rubber connectors as well.
I recommend you get the console and arm rests recovered at the same time, with matching new material. It will not look good to have a mix of leather with different patina, threading, or a leather/vinyl combo.
Consider reinforcing the mounting tabs of the center console while you have it out. You can get the kit from Garage9 (Jager Engineering); Rob Budd (classic9leathershop.com) probably has it as well. Or you can make your own metal bracket.
If you end-up having the arm rests recovered, you may want to reinforce the plastic tabs of it as well. There are two different kits out there - one with two aluminum brackets from Garage9, and a larger one that covers it all with one large bracket.
03-06-2017, 02:34 AM
#19
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One more item, if it hasn't been mentioned, yet: Replace all bulbs with LEDs while you have easy access to them. For the instruments, you can get the kit from Garage9, which already comes with the plexiglas wedges.
03-07-2017, 08:45 AM
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Copper tubing brazed to an aluminum core 35 years ago. Subjected to heat cycles and haphazard A/C service with old oil, refrigerant, and a bit of moisture making a nice weak acid bath.
I haven't yet seen a pre-GTS where the front evap wasn't leaking. It's only a question of how much.
If A/C isn't desired or if a recharge every year is preferred then leave it be.
I haven't yet seen a pre-GTS where the front evap wasn't leaking. It's only a question of how much.
If A/C isn't desired or if a recharge every year is preferred then leave it be.