AC help & thanks

[Kathys quilt]

Thanks for the replies on AC leaks and I have followed your advice and waiting on next big rain event. When I got inside the AC I found the fan motor was rusting away so bad that it would crumble at touch.
Now I have heard keep and repair vrs get a new unit installed.
Mist of you have been around AS much longer than my 5 months and I need advise on this subject. the unit is a 67 and fan blows hard but fan motor has to be replaced and who knows what else, It looks like it was factory installed yet I was told no inside drip pan until 80's. (1) Did 67's have inside drip pans. (2) No matter if it is an Armstrong or Colman, do I find some one who can repair and replace parts: if parts are available?
(3) If I need to replace it, what should I replace it with. My heater from 67 is gone, so I would like a low profile AC/heat pump if there is such a thing. Just a good AC low profile with built in vent system would work with me getting one of the new type gas wall mount heaters that I will get regardless as back up to electric heat pump/AC.
It seems to me that an AC that has a 15 amp line and works would be better than an AC that uses most of your electric power. I have seen older models from the 90's that hot water and AC can not run at same time and forget the microwave and AC or hot water running together. My 06 5th wheel ultra light 30 amp allows all three to be on at one time. I have put in a new fuse box and can change amps of breaker for AC line if I need to or add a new line as I did for the converter. Asking a lot, but budget wise I need to take care of as much as I can. The old girl will soon be on her way to Country RV in Tuscaloosa to get her awing put back on and If I need more help with anything I need to get it taking care of at that time. thanks

[SteveH]

Just my opinion here, but you're talking about an air conditioner that is almost 50 years old. At the FIRST sign of any trouble, I would replace it.

[Bill M.]

I just had a Dometic AC installed and like it. No heat pump. I like the gas furnace. I like gas better for hot water. Still have to choose between AC and microwave. Even the regular AC is on the weak side in the sun. You do not want a low draw one.

[blkmagikca]

The original Coleman a/c unit in my 1987 Excella failed 2 years ago at the most opportune time - I was getting my AS serviced at JC and it died right there. I had a new Dometic unit installed at JC - they knew to add the additional kit for the rounded roof of the older AS.

[kdickinson]

Had to replace the original Armstrong on mine. The mechanic who has worked on Airstreams for a long time said he could send the inner workings to a place in CA to be rebuilt but there would be no way to know how long it would continue to operate. The reality is that yes, you can rebuild the Armstrong. As I understand it, a rebuild is not possible on the new units in terms of compressor and other parts. So, that is an option if you want to keep it all original. The cost turned out to be about the same for a rebuild or a new unit. We went with a new unit and had to pay the labor to cut the hole and do the reinforcement necessary for the new unit but boy is it nice and it is quiet. Every year is a learning experience with a vintage AS. I'm betting that next for me will be the refrigerator ....

[Jacob D]

Originally Posted by Kathys quilt

Thanks for the replies on AC leaks and I have followed your advice and waiting on next big rain event. When I got inside the AC I found the fan motor was rusting away so bad that it would crumble at touch.
Now I have heard keep and repair vrs get a new unit installed.
Mist of you have been around AS much longer than my 5 months and I need advise on this subject. the unit is a 67 and fan blows hard but fan motor has to be replaced and who knows what else, It looks like it was factory installed yet I was told no inside drip pan until 80's. (1) Did 67's have inside drip pans. (2) No matter if it is an Armstrong or Colman, do I find some one who can repair and replace parts: if parts are available?
(3) If I need to replace it, what should I replace it with. My heater from 67 is gone, so I would like a low profile AC/heat pump if there is such a thing. Just a good AC low profile with built in vent system would work with me getting one of the new type gas wall mount heaters that I will get regardless as back up to electric heat pump/AC.
It seems to me that an AC that has a 15 amp line and works would be better than an AC that uses most of your electric power. I have seen older models from the 90's that hot water and AC can not run at same time and forget the microwave and AC or hot water running together. My 06 5th wheel ultra light 30 amp allows all three to be on at one time. I have put in a new fuse box and can change amps of breaker for AC line if I need to or add a new line as I did for the converter. Asking a lot, but budget wise I need to take care of as much as I can. The old girl will soon be on her way to Country RV in Tuscaloosa to get her awing put back on and If I need more help with anything I need to get it taking care of at that time. thanks

I have 27 years experience with only one '67 Overlander which has the original Armstrong A/C. It has a drip pan inside with a drain line that is routed thru the floor in the kitchen. It has stopped working twice in these years. An A/C tech had to replace the refrigerant filter (and refrigerant) which had rusted thru 20 years ago. Another had to replace the motor starter (capacitor) 4 years ago. I plan to use it until the compressor quits. The only things I don't like about it is the fan runs all the time while the compressor cycles with the thermostat to maintain the temp in the coach and it is a bit noisy, but we have long ago gotten used to that.