Quote:
Originally Posted by Graplr
You can build your own. I bought a used crimper set off fleebay a few years ago for about $90 when I added a parallel flow condenser to my 84SD. New ones are in the range of $150. Then you just need to buy hose fittings online. Probably less than $50 in parts for what you need to do.
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There are at least two manufacturers of reusable A/C hose fittings that I found when doing the research for installing a Sanden compressor on my 617 re-powered 107. My plan was to use the stainless braid A/C hose with the reusable fittings. Unfortunately, I've determined that there is not enough room to mount the compressor, so I never actually attempted an install, so can't speak from first hand knowledge.
Aeroquip and XRP both make these reusable fittings. It's the same basic technology that is used on aircraft hose fittings. (I used -10AN fittings on my oil lines with great results)
It seems that you would need to make some custom fittings to transition from the MB-style of fittings to the more standard Sanden fittings, by brazing up two transition fittings. But once those fittings are made you could completely self-maintain your A/C system and run new hoses whenever needed. And it would make installation a piece of cake, since you could ensure the lengths were what you needed by cutting the hoses incrementally until you get the exact length on the car. Here's an example of what the reusable fittings look like made up:
Fittings are $25-$45 or so and hose is $10-$12 a foot
Maybe someone has some first hand experience to share in using reusable fittings.