I'm a new owner of a 1974 XKE. What are the considerations for recharging the air conditioning system?

 

The system uses many off the shelf parts so any good auto A/C shop should be able to handle a recharge. The system originally used R12 refrigerant and I would strongly encourage you to stick with that unless it's already been converted to R134. The first order of business is to have the shop pull a vacuum in the system and look for leaks. The hoses are old and the compressor is known to have a limited life so expect that something likely needs to be replaced. The good news is the compressor is a commonly used GM item (Frigadare actually) and new hoses can be easily sourced or made up. As part of the recharge expect to replace the receiver/drier which is another fairly inexpensive off the shelf item but important to replace if the system has been inoperable for a period of time. When it's all working the A/C really gets cold so it's not a wasted effort if that's something you need.

 

I am working on my Ser 2 AC with Freon 12. I found one faulty hose that I was able to purchase Murray fittings and AC hose from OReilly auto parts for $20. Had to special order. Then I special ordered a receiver drier as suggested for another $20. I have not completed fully charged the system, put half the Freon charge in to test the system out. The system did hold a vacuum prior to charing.

RyeJag