My 78 has an A6 compressor and originally had a 305 4bbl. Upgraded to a 350 but just transferred everything over. Looking for a replacement A/C suction/discharge hose. My parts guy got me one from compressorworks. Hose to the condenser was too short and suction and discharge were reversed on the block that mounts to the compressor. So he ordered me another from 4 seasons. Same thing. So we're thinking these hoses are for an R4 compresser. But if you look up a replacement compresser for 78 el camino 5.0 or 5.7 it shows an A6.
So what year did they change over to R4? Or is by different assembly plants? What do you guys have on yours?
Tried to get 2 local hose shops to make me a hose and first guy had all kinds of BS about how it won't fit in his machine and how he'd have to cut and extend the lines with flare fittings and how it may not end up in the right location, etc., etc.
Second shop said that for $100 they would cobble on the short hose and it'd probably be OK. The new hoses I mentioned above only cost $100, even though they're wrong. So any of you guys with an A6 on a 78-9 or newer have a source or part # for a hose assembly that fits? I guess I could buy a crimper from mastercool and some fittings and hose and repair mine. BTW, neither hose shop has a hand crimper for hoses that won't fit in their machines. Amazing!

If Robert does not see this and chime in, I would send him a PM. No doubt he can answer this.

It's been mentioned here that NAPA stores can swage hoses, but not true around here. The local NAPA stores (2) didn't have anything to do with hoses. So it's all about location, for places where something can get done. A real PIA...

Have you considered going to an R4 compressor?

Can't really see swapping out a good compressor because of the hose. I always thought the A6 was a better compressor than an R4 or am I wrong?

I have a 85 el camino with a 1972 454 with ac. I replaced the belt system with a 1994 gm serpentine system. This moved the compressor to the right side of the engine. The biggest problem I had was finding the right hose and fittings to make it work. Finally I found a site where I could buy the fittings and hose that I need and I bought a hose crimper for two hundred bucks and assembled it myself. Ac works perfect. www.coldhose.com

Try Vintage Air. They have a threaded connector that fits on the A-6. They also sell bulk hoses and threaded ends that you can install . I am not sure if you need a crimping tool to attach the ends. I have not done that yet, but I heard that you can use a vise. Also if you have questions, you can call them. I did and they were very helpful.
This might give you another option
elamott

Thanks Guys. Found a new one at Classic Auto Air Manufacturing in Fla. It's 77-79 el camino V8 part # 13-260 sells for $169.99. Ron there was very helpful. He made up a set and emailed me pics to be sure everything was in the right position.
Their contact info is http://www.classicautoair.com or 813 251-2356 X 7022