A/C Evaporator for 1990 L(*

My restoration project has hit a snag. Durring replacement of virtually everypart that doesn't require opening the engine, my A/C return line was ruptured. It had slipped out of the bracket and been worn. My mechanic is eating the cost of the replacement and so forth. However is appears the line where it enters the evaporator had been brased and cannot be unscrewed. The return line is no longer made but the A/C shop can fab one. The Evaporator Cooler however is another issue. Everyone lists them, but they are on back order from Delphi. I have been waiting 6 weeks. It took four weeks and a couple of calls from my shop to figure out why Ecklers hadn't shipped the part that was ordered. Anyone know of a shop that uses other than Delphi that might have one in stock? Have already checked with Corvette America and Corvette Central, C&S Corvette didn't return my call, and even Pep Boy's list their supplier as out of business. None on eBay either.

Well; if the leak in the evaporator is noticeable it too can be repaired with little effort...sometimes they are nothing more than an 0-ring.
0-rings are specialized to R134A...and, if the shop does not remove the burrs on the metal parts, installing the new 0-ring will result in another leak, thus leading the shop to think the evaporator is the culprit all the while it is nothing more than a new 0-ring being cut by a burr.

But....

Look online for Corvettesouth.com
ask for Kevin (the owner)
Tell him Jim R. from Louisiana gave you his name....he will search everywhere to find an evaporator for you...if there is one to be had, he will find it. His website has a toll free number.

I have to ask; what (or who) makes you think the evap. is leaking?
I ask because it does happen, just not that often and I hope the repair shop isnt stating a leak to make up $$ for their blunder.




Jim




<edited to add more info>
Strats-N-Vettes2009-08-20 15:21:01