Has anyone swapped their AC lines to aluminum
 

W123 Application.

I proudly have and use ROLLGUY's A/C conversion in my MB. However, those thick rubber lines are for the birds.

So, has anyone simply replaced them with aluminum tubing? I was thinking of running them "straight" from the compressor, then 90* bend at the radiator cradle, run along the bottom area of the radiator, then another 90* bend towards the firewall, then up and then tuck them away on top of the inner fender. I cannot think of a way to hide them completely, but it will certainly get them out of the way. The SAE to metric fittings might be tricky, but looking at all new or newer cars, they have all aluminum.

Any thoughts ?

ALL-aluminum? They should have rubber in there somewhere to allow for engine movement. You could prolly do it, but why? Bling? It will be more efficient IF you can properly insulate it, which will be difficult unless you can find the right size foam rubber hose. My .02.

My 86 suburban with the 6.2 had aluminum lines. The vibration caused failure after a while. I'd prolly not advise it.

How did you arrive at that conclusion ?

I agree with the replies so far...

There's going to be rubber lines from the comperssor, about 12" and there's rubber lines from the expansion valve, through the firewall, and about 12". The remainder will be aluminum which will be neatly tucked away, following the contours as outlined.

As for being for the birds, yes they are. They clutter up the engine bay or at least for my purposes they clutter up the engine bay and get in the way for how my configuration of engine items is going to be. As for insulation, most MBs I see have the original insulation foam rotted away and the thick rubber hoses don't have any insulation other than their thickness.

My question should be re-phrased: Does converting from the original 2"+ thick rubber lines to aluminum lines negatively affect the operation of the AC?

That rubber wont radiate the cold like aluminum will. In other words, rubber Is an insulator. But as mentioned, having a consistent ID pipe thoughout should raise your pressures slightly.

I would insulate the suction side, but other than that it would work just fine.

Thanks for the responses. If anyone has done this, please let me know.

The folks at Old Air Products said this is common / doable (they said they mostly deal with older US cars) So, once the weather really breaks and I remove the belt for the winter, I can get the aluminum lines bent and in place with the small rubber lines. Now, on the prowl for refrigerant (R12) recovery gadget to keep my R12.

I have several reclaimers...

John, will I get my R12 back ?.... lol ...

I might be driving up in early November since we should be done with 85+F weather.
OR, a forum member was incredibly kind and hooked me up with an unknown to me public surplus auction site. Either way, those lines will be changed out before early Spring 2015.