Not sure where to put HVAC topics but you feel it IN the car so this will do.
Anyways, looking at rebuilding my A/C system and looking at various options. It's for a nice driver/ show car so it has to look reasonable, be very functional and hopefully use R-134a and be easily serviceable. I also want to retain the v-belt drive.
1. Go Original: I already have an NOS condenser and two of the lines. I would need to aquire the compressor and clutch ( about $375) as well as the ultra rare suction hose that goes from the accumulator to the compressor. I'd probably have to have it made. Original style accumulators aren't available so I have a quote request in with Classic Auto Air to rebuild one of mine. On the plus side, I have most of it and it's plug and play The only downside to this is I don't think I want to use expensive NOS parts on a driver. Also, I don't think the HR-980 is compatible with R-134a and as memory serves, they aren't very efficient.
2. Hose Wizard kit: This seems like a good option and for the price, LRS has it for $779, seems like a winner. Seems like people love it or hate and I've only ever seen it installed on 2 SVO. Greg's had the serpentine system, which i think looks really cluttered, and Mike has the v-belt system and said the compressor bracket, as delivered, was crap. My only other reservation is that the installs I've seen looked a bit thrown together as if the system wasn't designed for an SVO but was made to fit.
3. Build my Own: In the course of doing all this research I have discovered a few things. What's still available, what isn't and what fits what. Seems I can buy a Sanden SD 709 compressor for $185. The condenser (stock SVO) is $115 and an accumulator (stock SVO) can be had for $40 but it's quite different to the original and a rebuilt original might be a better option. That leaves me $440 dollars to get hoses made and a quick call to the local Mac's Radiator store I got a rough quote of $550 to make the hoses, evac the system and charge it up. I've also discovered some cool sources where I can buy hoses and fitting in order to make my own. The advantage to this is I could make them as per original. I'd also have to make my own compressor bracket but I'm pretty handy with a welder and the motor will be on a stand so that's pretty easy. Although it's a lot more work and may not save me any money, i think it fits all the criteria. Stock(ish) look, R-134a, v-belt drive.
Gentlemen, the floor is open. Please share your thoughts, experiences and suggestions.