AC rebuild one step forward-two steps back.
 

Well getting frustrated with the progress of the AC rebuild.
installed everything in the engine compartment over the last couple of days. Went to install the compressor/manifold hose today. While installing the manifold hose onto the compressor on the work bench I discovered that the, after attaching the manifold hose, torqueing it to 50NM then lifting the compressor/hose assembly up to install it in the car that the manifold attachment point was leaking. Took it apart and looked carefully at everything. The large flat metal piece that the hoses go through is curved and I can't get a good seal.
Of course this was after Phil had called it a day at work and is now off for the weekend. I sent him a picture of the curved unit and I'm sure that they will replace it quickly. But with Xmas coming I figure it will be the week after next before I get the part.
Frustrating. I was hoping to get the car on the road by Tuesday.
Attached is the picture I sent Phil.

My kids got home this week. My daughter on Wednesday and my Son yesterday. His good friend, who has a 68 Cougar is staying for a week. His parents moved 2 months ago and don't have a shop setup. He was getting a shuttering in his car ( 68 Cougar 351 Windsor, 5 speed, 3.55 rears and a performance setup) found that his left motor mount was completely split. So we replaced the mount and now need to put in a new steering box.
My sons Mustang also needs work while he is home.

It never ends.

I'll let you know how the AC system goes. I have the dash and center consol to put in so I have something to do.

Dave

Opps forgot the picture

Dave,

You may very well already be aware of this so don't feel insulted if that is the case. I just want to make sure that you are aware that there are compressors out there with several different (at least two) seal arrangements. When the car was new, the compressors had a simple o-ring. Over the years, some of the replacement units had bigger "o-ring" grooves and took some seals that were sort of a sandwhich.

If you were to have the wrong seals for your particular compressor it could cause the manifold to bend as seen in the picture.

The manifold is the same for either, but make sure you have the correct seal to prevent the new manifold from bending.

Additionally, I have had the bolt hole messed up before such that the bolt cross threaded, resulting in incorrect positioning of the manifold and causing a leak. A trip to the hardware store for the correct tap, and that problem was fixed.

I hope this rambling will be helpful.

Good luck and Merry Christmas,

Good point Larry. I have seen this happen numerous times.