Is this a fair A/C quote ?

[neerseer]

Hi Streamers,

I own a 1969 sovereign and have gotten a quote for repairing the old Armstrong TAC 110 unit with a new and identical model compressor, new enclosed fan motor, recondition the electrical (includes new wiring, connectors, capacitors, etc.) and freon charge up. This also includes removing the old stuff. QUOTE $1300.
Also offered was a carrier 15000 btu unit installed for about $1000. I don't know much about the carrier unit, how does it drain ? Does it have a programmable thermostat ? or can it be connected to an existing one ?
Anyhow, I open this up to the community for opinions on which route to go, to help me decide. Thanks in advance.

[overlander63]

The old Armstrongs were heavy-duty units, hence the added cost to repair yours.
$1000 installed for a Carrier may be a good price, depending on which one it is. Many of them have a drain plug that can be opened so the Airstream drain tube can be used. Just be aware that Carrier is no longer manufacturing RV a/c units, and what you will be getting is NOS.

[Aage]

Is Armstrong still around, Terry?

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by Aage

Is Armstrong still around, Terry?

Unfortunately, no. The Armstrong that is still out there providing flooring materials is not the sme one that built the a/c's.

[bmklawt]

Armstrong is still around.
Welcome to Armstrong Air Conditioning

[TomW]

Originally Posted by neerseer

Hi Streamers,

I ... have gotten a quote for repairing the old Armstrong TAC 110 unit with a new and identical model compressor, new enclosed fan motor, recondition the electrical (includes new wiring, connectors, capacitors, etc.) and freon charge up. ... QUOTE $1300.

The quote you received is more like "the going rate".

Fair? There are many things to consider. First & foremost, I am surprised you found someone willing to work on it. Most AC technicians appear to prefer staying off ladders.

Now, the new compressor will cost him about $400, and the fan motor another $100. Capacitors are usually covered at that point. Give him another $100 for freon, wires, etc. So, your man stands to receive $700 for his labor.

Having both done, and observed others doing similar work, I do not believe the effort should take more than half a day IF all the right tools are available. So after dividing $700 by four hours, it is obvious the man is going to turn a nice profit.

But I'm willing to bet you will not find anyone else cheaper.

Tom

[neerseer]

Here's some other thoughts. If going with the Armstrong rebuild approach, will the old evaporator and condenser lines hold up under the new system ??

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by neerseer

Here's some other thoughts. If going with the Armstrong rebuild approach, will the old evaporator and condenser lines hold up under the new system ??

They are also 41 years old...

And yes, I forgot to put "for RV air conditioners" in my post above. Armstrong floors are about all the new "Armstrong" you'll be able to put in your Airstream.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by neerseer

Here's some other thoughts. If going with the Armstrong rebuild approach, will the old evaporator and condenser lines hold up under the new system ??

Absolutely.

Andy

[Jammer]

If it were me I'd fix the old one though I might shop around a little. Price seems steep and may be indicative that the tech doesn't want to do the work. Around here the refrigeration guys who work on stuff at dairy farms seem the most reasonable and intrepid.

With the new one you would have to modify the trailer somewhat and so you would want to be sure it is really being done properly. There are some threads around on what's involved.

It's pretty rare for evaporators and condensers to leak on those (they're copper) so if you replace the compressor and the fan you should be good.