Rebuild Armstrong A/C on '69 Ambassador

[jmpratt]

Originally Posted by perryg114

Since you have gone this far, you could take the parts and make a split system and get rid of the roof box alltogether. There many folks on here that would like such a system the preserves the line of their older trailers. I expect the majority of the stuff could go under a couch or bed. Personally, I don't mind the roof top AC.

Perry

I have thought about doing that, too. More because I would like to be able to service the unit without having to climb on top. If this one dies and I get a lot of free time, maybe I'll try that.

[TouringDan]

jmpratt

My compliments to you on the engineering improvements you have made to an Armstrong AC/HP. I have bookmarked this thread. I have an original unit on my 66 TW and will add this to my list of planned improvements. I plan to use my 66 for another 20 years and then pass it on to another traveller.

Dan

[jmpratt]

Well after about a year, I finally finished the shroud for my A/C unit. It took that long to find someone who could do louvers. Anyway, here's some pics. Talk to Dave at rodlouvers.com if you need some custom work.

[Max Well]

That is beautiful work! What a great idea! And I was going to junk mine when it finally quits. Makes me think....hmmmm?

[Aage]

Originally Posted by jmpratt

Well after about a year, I finally finished the shroud for my A/C unit. It took that long to find someone who could do louvers. Anyway, here's some pics. Talk to Dave at rodlouvers.com if you need some custom work.

Looks really good, Jason! Were those louvers made of metal he attached, or just fashioned from the sheet they are on?

[jmpratt]

Originally Posted by Aage

Looks really good, Jason! Were those louvers made of metal he attached, or just fashioned from the sheet they are on?

Fashioned from the sheet they are on. I drove down to Dave's place and we made the louvers in about 20 minutes. It worked out better than I expected.

[Aage]

Wow, that's some pretty careful banging and stretching to get that look. You DID find a pro!

[Silverflames]

That's looks much better than my dometic. Great work!

[KennyD50]

You have inspired me and I have parts on order for the Armstrong A/C heat pump conversion. Thank you so much.

Any tips regarding removal/re-install of the unit from the roof?

[jmpratt]

Kenny,
Good luck! Mine is still working great. If I remember correctly, there are four screws and a whole lot of adhesive holding the unit on the roof. Just work it off from whichever end is easier to get up and try not to bend the bottom of the unit. If you do, you can always bend it back. Take lots of pictures to help your remember how to put it back together. Feel free to contact me if you get stuck.

-Jason

[Silverflames]

There is a Armstrong AC unit on Tampa Craig's list right now.

[jmpratt]

I scanned and uploaded the install and maintenance manuals for the Armstrong TAC-110-1 air conditioner. Enjoy!

[Silverflames]

Very cool! Thank you.

[J. Morgan]

I was subscribed to this thread for quick reference for "that day" when my 40 year old Armstrong stops working,,,

Now I have manuals too!

Thanks jmpratt!!!

[Max Well]

Thanks JMPratt! Mine is in dire need of help and the manuals are a great place to start! Much appreciated!

[drboyd]

Subscribing.

[jmpratt]

Update: The fan motor seized up this summer. Turns out the motor I bought had open end caps that allowed water into the motor when it rained. It wasn't an issue in the California desert, but the Ohio rains trashed the motor. Just be sure the motor end caps have no holes in them.

I put the original motor (glad I kept it!) back in for now and it's still working fine!

[tracker]

First. I want to thank you for the information on your Armstrong a/c rebuild I hope it is still running strong. I am using your info as a guide for the restoration of my own 69 rebuild and I was wondering if you might know how I determine which filter dryer I should use to replace my original? The old one is so rusted I can't make out any part numbers. Thanks again. Carl.

[drboyd]

I'll jump in here just like I know something. Sizing on filters driers is pretty much, "The bigger, the better." As long as it's for R-22, it fits in the space, you watch the flow direction, and the tubing sizes match up, you're good. Do a double check to verify that it's good for 12-15K BTUH or about 1.5 tons. That should give you plenty.

Johnstone Supply 206 catalog - pages 1142 & 1143

[jmpratt]

Yep, drboyd is right. Generally speaking, the tubing size will limit the filter capacity. A 1/4" tube can only allow so much flow. The large the tube diameter, the more potential capacity.