Ac Hoses

[ccracin]

I've been doing a lot of searching and reading, and really have made no decisions. What do you guys recommend for A/C hoses. You've got the OEM type black hose with crimp ends and there is the Aeroquip Braided SS with reusable ends. Are there any other recommended options? I don't really want the braided SS, but like the ability to make the hoses exactly the way I want them in the garage with the ability to adjust clocking etc. The OEM hose with crimp on fittings is tried and true, but you need to be on target first time with fitting clocking and length. Plus, it's just black rubber hose. Most of the visible hoses on the truck will most likely be the black nylon braided hose. Any suggestions?
The requirements are:
1. Function - No Leaks, long term sealing
2. Esthetics - Hopefully match rest of hose, clean, professional look
3. Ease of Use - Hopefully be made in garage with minimal special tools

Thanks for any input you all may have!

[XLexusTech]

I have heard the braided stuff leaks...
take a look at this..

http://www.eaton.com/Eaton/ProductsServices/Hydraulics/Fittings/PCT_259178

I hear its what VA packages as "EZ clip" and that it is felxiable and stands up well.... i am looking for a retailer for it that get me a good price..

[Ron in SoCal]

You can also use the 'ol reliable black and get a split-seam wrap that will match your other braided hoses quite well.

[ccracin]

You can also use the 'ol reliable black and get a split-seam wrap that will match your other braided hoses quite well.

So far Ron that is what I am leaning toward. I can get crimped hoses made and put the wrap on them with shrink wrap to finish the ends. I just don't like have to "Go Somewhere" to have them made and then hope I measured correct, got them clocked correctly, and the vendor did what I asked for.

Anyone else? :headscratch:

[ccracin]

I have heard the braided stuff leaks...
take a look at this..

http://www.eaton.com/Eaton/ProductsServices/Hydraulics/Fittings/PCT_259178

I hear its what VA packages as "EZ clip" and that it is felxiable and stands up well.... i am looking for a retailer for it that get me a good price..

I saw those, but the metal band clamps are..............well..............Fugly! :)

[XLexusTech]

I saw those, but the metal band clamps are..............well..............Fugly! :)

Only if you see them :ohsnap:

[ccracin]

Only if you see them :ohsnap:

I gotcha, I have a solution to that other than where thr AC lines meet the Sanden Compressor. If I can get past that, they will work. :hairpullout:

[XLexusTech]

I gotcha, I have a solution to that other than where thr AC lines meet the Sanden Compressor. If I can get past that, they will work. :hairpullout:

From the looks of the rest of you thread.. I am sure you will figure it out !

Awesome work!
:trophy-1302:

[renegade6]

When I had my lines made for my last project, I taped the ends with masking tape to the hoses so the parts store wouldn't mess up the clocking.

[72Z/28]

In my case I did the smoothing of the firewall and decided to run the AC hoses behind or through the fender and made two 1 1/4 inch holes in the blower hole that was covered and welded. I ordered the VA extra length hose kit from Summit and had to cut only the #6 line. However, the biggest mistake I made is that the fender had been installed prior to running the hoses under the fender, and it was a hassle to run the #10 hose through the 1 1/4 inch hole while having the VA grommet as well. This was also becuase of the fitting that was crimped by a crimping machine before the insertion of the line.

[70 chevelle]

The bands for the ez-clip system are much more discrete than they look in the pictures. If your a fan of the plain black hose the hose used in the ez-clip system actually looks really good. If your still against it why not just by a manual crimper you can get one on ebay pretty cheap.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mastercool-71550-Basic-AC-Hose-Crimper-Kit-Brand-New-/360619327205?pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&hash=item53f6963ee5&vxp=mtr

[dontlifttoshift]

The braided hose is just terrible.

The OEM style crimped hoses work well but require some big radius bends (like the braided) and if you don't have a crimper aren't home garage guy friendly.

I very much like the EZ clip hose. Smaller dia on the hose, tighter bend radius, EZ to put together, and the permeation rate on the hose is better than the OEM style hose. The only two issues I have are

1. limited fitting selection compared to beadlock. No 135* fittings and charge ports are only available on straight and 90* fittings.

2. the bend radius on the fittings themselves are large compared to beadlock fittings.

[jwcarguy]

I just bought the Aeroquip EZ clip fittings and hoses, great to work with

cheapest that I found for fittings and hose:
http://hosewarehouse.com/A-C-Hose

Aeroquip EZ clip crimper: $19.65 shipped!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/321060961914?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649 (he also carries some of the fittings cheaper also)

[ccracin]

The bands for the ez-clip system are much more discrete than they look in the pictures. If your a fan of the plain black hose the hose used in the ez-clip system actually looks really good. If your still against it why not just by a manual crimper you can get one on ebay pretty cheap.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mastercool-71550-Basic-AC-Hose-Crimper-Kit-Brand-New-/360619327205?pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&hash=item53f6963ee5&vxp=mtr

The braided hose is just terrible.

The OEM style crimped hoses work well but require some big radius bends (like the braided) and if you don't have a crimper aren't home garage guy friendly.

I very much like the EZ clip hose. Smaller dia on the hose, tighter bend radius, EZ to put together, and the permeation rate on the hose is better than the OEM style hose. The only two issues I have are

1. limited fitting selection compared to beadlock. No 135* fittings and charge ports are only available on straight and 90* fittings.

2. the bend radius on the fittings themselves are large compared to beadlock fittings.

I just bought the Aeroquip EZ clip fittings and hoses, great to work with

cheapest that I found for fittings and hose:
http://hosewarehouse.com/A-C-Hose

Aeroquip EZ clip crimper: $19.65 shipped!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/321060961914?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649 (he also carries some of the fittings cheaper also)

I think based on all your input here I am going to look into the ez-clip system. My only concern was the band that will hold the ends that connect to the compressor. I think if I keep the crimps in toward the engine and then put some black heat shrink tube over the clamp bands it will make a nice clean look. I really think the ez-clip hose will work best under the dash where space is a premium. I like the permeation rate on that hose too.

Thanks for all the input.