How I Make Custom AC Hoses - Flexible A/C Lines How To!

In this, the second video in my series about Custom HVAC Lines for Car Builds, we will discuss A/C Soft Lines! From what fittings I use, to what hose, tools, and HOW TO Crimp your own soft lines. Check out the previous video to learn how I make AC Hard Lines for builds.
4Seasons Catalog: www.smpbuyersguide.com/4seaso...
0:00 - Intro
0:40 - Why Soft Tubing?
2:10 - Components Used
6:10 - Converting Old A/C Systems
7:22 - Tools Used
10:28 - Hose Assembly
12:18 - Hose Layout / Measuring
14:52 - Outro
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Tools and Pieces Used:
*** Hydraulic Crimper: amzn.to/3eDTwDr
*** Ratcheting PVC Cutter: amzn.to/2LDsReS
*** Manual Crimper: amzn.to/3bqZw2j
*** Vintage Air: www.vintageair.com/
*** 4Seasons: www.4s.com/en
*** Other Tools I Use (affiliate link): www.amazon.com/shop/hotrodhippie
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Instagram: @ HotRodHippie - / hotrodhippie
Twitter: @ Hotrod_Hippie - / hotrod_hippie
Facebook: / hotrodhippie
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Filmed with:
*** Main Camera: amzn.to/2U4b1nZ
*** Video Recorder Used: amzn.to/30cAvU9
*** Action Camera: amzn.to/2ATHS73
*** Second Camera: amzn.to/371EhBM
*** B-Roll Lens: amzn.to/2xmg85L
*** Wide Angle Lens: amzn.to/2YiZTmH
*** Lav Mic: amzn.to/2DFwgR5
*** Shotgun Mic: amzn.to/2IjTJiB
*** Mini Tripod: amzn.to/2Eok8Fw
*** Monopod - amzn.to/2C1YEMU
*** Tripod: amzn.to/2yASruf
*** Gimbal: amzn.to/2FNwesV
*** Slider: amzn.to/2USPyvo
*** Primary Lighting: amzn.to/2jHROnW
*** Additional Lighting: amzn.to/2DImspx
*** RGB Lights: amzn.to/2UUGAOk
*** Drone: amzn.to/2yDkwkI
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The opinions expressed in this video are my own, from my personal experience. This is not a paid product advertisement. Please feel free to let me know what you think of this tool, or suggest alternatives I should check out. Disclaimer: This is not a paid advertisement. This video is solely my opinions from the use of these products and based on the specifications of them. Some of the links provided are AMAZON AFFILIATE LINKS. Affiliate links give the HotRodHippie a small advertising fee for every purchase made via those links. This does not cost you anything more than if you purchased them normally.
#hotrodhippie #VintageAir #AirConditioning

[@HotRodHippie]

Sorry for the Black Screen at 12:08 to 12:15 - My Editing Software bugged out when I made one last minute change to this video unfortunately. Luckily nothing especially important was lost as the audio is still present.

[@bobd9911]

bro it freaked me out I thought my computer was taking a dump lol.. great video (very good ) but you did not have what I was looking for

[@RX7GSLSEowner]

Excellent content and presentation! I appreciated hearing the extra detail that you referred to as well. So thank you for the video!

[@greghildebrand8881]

What an absolutely excellent explanation! great job and thank you!

[@nullwii]

And this video had all of the information I was looking for today Thank you.

[@sunnysingh8483]

This video is Modern Day Gold! Thanks

[@shanekirkwood7234]

Great video, Alan! Thanks for sharing this A/C line information. You touched on doing A/C conversions. That’s an interesting topic and the information on finding fittings is going to be very helpful. Again, thanks for putting these videos out and you are always do a great job! And happy New Year!

[@pyrotechc3h8]

Thanks for sectioning off the different topics, you rock.

[@earlcousins6635]

As always GREAT STUFF! Thanks for posting.

[@Chickmonk3]

Great stuff here and right on time for my build. Thanks

[@chrishaidinyak4621]

What a great video. My 2002 Excursion is getting old enough that changing out the lines is starting to make sense. Pricing just one long length hose could actually pay for the equipment needed to do it yourself. Thanks for time spent to make this video.

[@mr.p5044]

Great Suggestion for "clocking" hose vs fitting. As always Great Info !! Thank You for confirming my thoughts for setting up a/c soft lines.

[@KevinHalliburton]

Good stuff, thanks Alan!

[@GarageFab]

I’m digging the blue fill light. 👏 Very nice touch.

[@natefidalgo7625]

Great video, wasn't aware that they sold connectors and bead crimping tools for soft line making. And yes for getting hose/ tubing exact lengths I like you method of just tapeing connectors temporarily then laying out/running/marking. Before cutting / crimping that way you get correct length everytime with your fittings

[@garagemonkeysan]

Great video. Well documented. Super useful information. Mahalo for sharing! : )

[@sambogober3197]

Awesome bro very helpful for me. Love ur work.

[@ilovetotones1]

Great video. I was about to make my own and I would of messed up without doing the orientation marking. 👍👍

[@johnpauljones965]

awesome video! Thanks again.

[@PinkOneEighty]

What god like knowledge you would give us

[@edwinerosa9869]

Great video - very informative- thx

[@merlyn1565]

Excellent, really useful, thank you

[@fc1ant]

Usefull, I'm actually waiting on a vintage air kit. I'm installing factory air into an older dodge truck that originally only had heat.

[@keithjessee4519]

This is excellent content

[@RoddyDa]

Why have I not found this channel sooner!

[@panosath29]

Thank you for your video sir, It is very useful

[@leonelsanchez4867]

Bro thanks for the info you made my day i was stuck on my coyote swap 😁

[@Peter-V_00]

Great information!

[@jessebb193]

This video kicks ass 🎉

[@ratchetwerksgarage5573]

Amazing video!! Thank you!!

[@steveratkaj6994]

Freon is a trade name like Xerox or Kleenex. Most likely refrigerant for auto aftermarket would be R134A. Another little tip. There is a small hole in most aftermarket fittings. That hole is to make sure the hose is pushed all the way in. Check to make sure hose is pushed in far enough before crimping. Another tip is to keep all hose and fitting openings plugged or covered to prevent crap from getting in while mocking it up. Refrigerant assembly really requires "surgical room" cleanliness, especially when assembling/ installing the o-rings. Worked in mobile a/c design/fabrication for 11 yrs.

[@HotRodHippie]

I had mentioned the little hole and suggested marking hose to ensure it doesn’t slide out on you in the original cut of this video. But that cut was 20 minutes long and this version is already longer than the majority of KZbin viewers will watch. Good tips, just never enough time to impart all the information 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@edenfieldjared0]

Thanks for posting!!!!!!!!!!

[@bigjimbo560]

good video, thanks

[@natefidalgo7625]

Ya that was the missing crimping style that I final realize. Usually I could determine for softlines and hardline types what connectors / tool you need to make it look exactly like original look. Ya alot of hydraulic equipment use them as well as the soft ac lines in the event they don't go with all ridged stainless steel lines. Very cool eye opener to make things a little more professional.

[@fwdracer81]

I work on refuse trucks and we make our own hydraulic JIC lines. Yes, they get crimped on all sides evenly.

[@christopherwright7541]

Alan, I'll be installing Vintage Air Front Runner and plan to run the hoses behind the fender skirt through a bulkhead. Any input on the EZ-Clip system of connectors and hoses? Looks like Vintage Air sells them....manufactured by Eaton. I'm not crazy about the look of the connector but the size and flexiblity of the hose lends itself to more turns and routing like I'm planning to do. Love your channel and looking forward to your input on this. I've no horse in this race, just trying to educate myself. Thanks in advance!

[@metalbob3335]

I did not know A/C systems can be that high pressure when they are functioning. Thanks for looking out for our safety.

[@HotRodHippie]

I’m a bit of a stickler about safety. Someone has to be. 😅 I usually dial in Vintage Air Systems to run at around 250-300 psi under normal conditions. So it doesn’t take much of a major malfunction to push far more pressure.

[@superduty4556]

@@HotRodHippie dirty condenser can spike it over 400psi.

[@micahpoling6467]

I pickup a crimper to make a hose and it worked so well that I'm wondering if other lines can be made with this same crimper. Can you use this to make oil lines, power steering lines, or transmission lines? I use AN fittings, but it would be nice if I could use this for a AN to crimp fitting.

[@natefidalgo7625]

I do have to say though the bead crimping tools and connectors are hard to find. So usually only option is get them premade or bring old hose/tube in and having a parts place figure it out. Pex pipe tools , flare/swag tools , and hose clamp screw downs seem to be the only ones I see around. Keep my eyes open.

[@cgonz81]

how much coolant goes in a vintage kit or the under dash kits? Planning on buying one for my blazer. Thanks

[@donuts2222]

Hey there. Where do you buy all your fittings and hose from? 4 seasons doesn't have an online store. They just have the catalog.

[@priajatnika9568]

Hi, thanks for this is a great presentation, very useful. I'm planning to reroute my AC hoses, but I'm wondering; should I have the same hoses length to it's original considering volume? Does it matter?

[@oxculand8827]

I am no expert or have any experience with custom ac work, however, I have wondered the same thing and done some research over it. From my understanding if the volume changes than you should fill the system according to a static pressure chart and a working pressure chart. Record what it took to reach those numbers for future reference.

[@MrSuperchargedv8]

what's the max psi and temp ratings on these style of hoses? Im lookin to plumb an air supply setup that gets up to 175psi.

[@johannesmeijer4587]

Hi, I have a Ford Transit 2012 VM LWB 2.2L Van that has a leak in the high pressure rubber hose. Because it is a major job to access the compressor and remove the hose from the compressor. As the leak is located in the middle of the rubber hose, I can easily access that rubber part. Crimping is just not possible. My question is, what type of inline inter-connectors can I use that would be suitable to repair that part of the hose ?

[@alexisconcepcion2638]

Hi my name is Alexis I really love your video. I witch to ask one question 😊how do you make the maths to charge and make the bells for each hose you made .

[@briancurtain3636]

I need some help and think you may be the person to help. We are entering the era of "Mini" split AC systems. They are easy to install, but running Copper lineset in some situations is challenging. These use 410a. Curious on if you think these will work great on a install where there are multiple bends through structural membranes. I've been looking at the Eaton Evercool GH001. Fittings are also confusing as unsure of thread, and how to interface with connections that are designed for flared connections.

[@itolond]

I get to use flexible lines for vibration points - it it best use hard lines where possible or flexible lines?

[@johnjohnson1997]

will this crimp type work for hard to soft fuel lines ?

[@mathewshackelford8037]

Solid video! Question; how do you determine which lines need to be flex and which ones not? Presumably coming off the compressor needs to be but that's it yeah?

[@HotRodHippie]

Compressor to body/frame for sure as there needs to be give for motor movement and vibration. Depending on the project some cars twist more than others so if going from frame to body I may say there as well. But usually only the compressor lines must be flexible. I’ll often use flex lines for ease of running them though. Such as I did a 58 Corvette where we hid the lines in the wheel well. They weren’t visible so there was no need for hard lines in there. Soft was just easier.

[@alexisconcepcion2638]

I’m interested to get into the business. Thanks got I watched your videos and get an idea how it is

[@balanis03]

Have you ever used or added steal braided covers over flexible lines??? Do steal braided lines leak???

[@maxime_vhw]

How do you decide how much gas the loop needs?

[@WalterRodriguez-pd8cy]

I need to find or make a discharge hose for a compressor on a 1991 Mitsubishi 3000gt VR4. Please help?

[@tonystevens1965]

Hey I'm needing to make a rubber 410a hose for a mr cool can u help

[@MoDawdy]

Have you used that hydraulic beadlock crimp tool a bit more extensively? the amazon price is good but some of the reviews are disappointing, indicating some 6 & 8 sizes didn't crimp well at all. Looking to do some custom line routings soon.

[@HotRodHippie]

I’ve only does this one project and a handful of other test crimps with it. So I can’t give a full review really. It comes with some extra dies that seem to be for oddball sizes. I ran into that on one or two crimps but was able to correct it. I’d recommend a few test crimps but otherwise have had no issue. Comparing the crimps I got with it to my old hand operated crimped (ratchet drive ) it works as well IMO. I was pleasantly surprised with it myself.

[@johnreddick413]

Hey man I’m a mechanic and I’ve noticed when buying parts at local stores that have the same crimp marks that your leaves (usually power steering lines) they usually end up leaking have you ever had that issue when doing a/c lines

[@resheylall697]

What do you use to convert O-ring style bulk head from an expansion valve to soft lines

[@HotRodHippie]

I replied to you on the video about this. Check out the 4 Seasons catalog I mentioned and linked. It has various adapters for compressors, expansion valves, etc. Along with that I’ve taken the original hose to an AC Shop to have them rebuild the hose with the new length / ends I need. Or I’ve also custom made them in the past by taking an original block fitting setup and welding on new fitting ends. In the end I rarely do this anymore as stock expansion valves just aren’t a thing in my world these days. Factory systems are too large and unsightly (as well as very hit or miss on efficiency) for the builds I’m doing anymore so it’s been years since I’ve had to adapt like that.

[@brianarrington4569]

Hey..i need to replace brake line ( abs). A steel line thats factory crimped into steel braided hose...how do replace or fix with a crimper?.leak is 1/4 inch away from crimp...if it was 6 inch away i would flare steel line & connect to rest of steel line..but i cant..thanx

[@HotRodHippie]

The equipment needed to crimp those lines is specialized and very expensive. I don’t even mess with them as the equipment is thousands. What I would do if it was me is remove the hose, locate a local hydraulic shop and bring it to them. I’ve done that multiple times in the past and had them produce a brand new hose using the old line as a template. Otherwise as you already noted I’d consider making a hard line to replace it.

[@Hedgehodge-]

How would I find fitting ends that have offset screw holes, for VW type, probably European cars :( thanks

[@ignaciomartinez8228]

Can you help me to find a metal heater hose for a 1987 Chevy R10 305 engine it’s a 5/8 fitting hope u can help me thank you

[@wcmiller78]

Can you connect to existing aluminum lines? Like if you cut up factory lines and need to add to them?

[@HotRodHippie]

Certainly I’ve done it in the past. But to do it with the tools most of us have available would mean welding on new fittings and connecting to that. In the past I had access to an excellent hvac shop that would rebuild factory hoses / manifolds with the ends I needed. So shops to do it do exist. But the equipment to flare or crimp ends in that situation is something beyond the scope of most small shops.

[@gtreib65]

Good video Weird Al doppelganger...

[@theborednerds]

Thanks for this tutorial! Do you know if you can use a hydraulic wire crimper instead of the specialized crimper?

[@HotRodHippie]

You need the specific sized crimping dies and they crimp slightly differently. I have both and there isn’t any overlap between them. Unless you mean some industrial sized wire crimper I’m not aware of.

[@theborednerds]

@HotRodHippie thanks! Yeah, I just have your basic 16ton hydrualic wire terminal crimper. I'll probably just follow your method for alignment and then take them to an ac shop.

[@andrewscott4405]

Do you put in an expansion valve or do you just go straight open lines to everything?

[@HotRodHippie]

Expansion valve is part of the AC Box assembly on a Vintage Air box. We don’t usually have to plumb it in-line anywhere on a custom system.

[@josephquinton990]

Is there a fitting manifold that will fit on a 89 suburban with a stock compressor? I'm having difficulty finding a stock hose for a 7.4l 454.

[@HotRodHippie]

That should be the "GM R4 Compressor" so one of these: amzn.to/3TbiL3E Or similiar. I CANNOT guarantee that is the one you need, but plenty of options and angles exist for the R4.

[@josephquinton990]

@@HotRodHippie thanks Buddy

[@naveeedd]

Does the refrigerant and compressor oil not react with the hose?

[@HotRodHippie]

It is refrigerant hose, intended for use in those conditions.

[@hardikkuvariya4624]

I want to buy this crimper

[@jrsprojects786]

Does your system Use an Orifice Tube?

[@HotRodHippie]

Nope all aftermarket systems I’m aware of use an Expansion Valve. I’ve done custom systems married to factory systems that used them in the past but that was as simple as finding the fittings in the catalogs I mentioned and adapting.

[@saurabhsharma-ts6ky]

i want to make my own costem ac hose crimper

[@RX7GSLSEowner]

Forgot to say that if you're not still here, you should return to TEXAS!

[@SteveRivett]

I think you could clamp your tool in a vise to use.

[@HotRodHippie]

Could. That’s how the “manual” one is used. The hydraulic one lends itself to that less. The issue is that the hand grip portion isn’t really designed for one handed operation... or really two handed. It’s the same design as the Hydraulic Brake Flaring tools that are available. They work well but it’s clear that usability wasn’t the primary focus of the design.

[@nissanslut7870]

Check out Auto Plumb for AN a/c fittings and braided hose!!!

[@HotRodHippie]

They seem to sell Aeroquip fittings/hoses, which I absolutely hate. I've used them in the past and they are honestly kind of ugly and difficult to route. I'd rather use the rubber hoses any day. They also sell the AeroFlow adapter fittings that I used on this truck's Heater Hoses and did a dedicated video about: kzbin.info/www/bejne/emGog6yEd9R8ibc

[@nissanslut7870]

@@HotRodHippie yeah man, personal preference, you’ve been doing it a lot longer than me, I just decided yesterday to re-re-instal my a/c 😂 it’s too hot where im at. Plus with a straight 6 the a/c on my build is pretty much straight shots minus the 90° to the condenser and the compressor.

[@travisaudioelectronics12vo90]

@11:16 hold the tool with the head down on the table. Then you are not holding the wieght of the tool.

[@Z-Ack]

Why you shave the chin but not right beside the chin? What u call that? The 1900’s freed black man? Chopped mutton chop?

[@markmannm2]

With effort, why can't someone (including us) manufacture universal fittings and various length flexible ac lines? Quality AC hose with all the standard fitting sizes. Please explain. yes, we are smart enough to make sure we oil the system. Please tell me what is the big deal and please noting about damaging our planet. In Mexico, they use propane gas as a refrigerant... I'm talking Chevy (GMC) truck here not a custom Lambo... MarkMannM2

[@HotRodHippie]

I don't understand what you are asking. Pre-produce hoses to random lengths with various end combinations for resale? That is what I think I got from that. What does the refrigerant at play have to do with anything? This video is about making your own hoses to your specific application, why would you want or need premade lines? Am I misunderstanding you? And caring about the planet matters. Just because someone else is doing damage doesn't mean we shouldn't care. If your neighbor stops mowing their lawn do you stop taking pride in yours? Doing your part matters, others will never give a damn about doing the right thing if someone doesn't do it first.

[@steveratkaj6994]

Freon is a trade name like Xerox or Kleenex. Most likely refrigerant for auto aftermarket would be R134A. Another little tip. There is a small hole in most aftermarket fittings. That hole is to make sure the hose is pushed all the way in. Check to make sure hose is pushed in far enough before crimping. Another tip is to keep all hose and fitting openings plugged or covered to prevent crap from getting in while mocking it up. Refrigerant assembly really requires "surgical room" cleanliness, especially when assembling/ installing the o-rings. Worked in mobile a/c design/fabrication for 11 yrs.

[@EdsPlace]

You think I could mount a condenser on the roof of a pickup cab, and flex line across to a cargo/camper box? I'm building a 4x4 camper but I want it to look like a nose mount reefer truck. I figure a cab mount condensor will help reduce noise and distribute weight better. I plan to use one of the DC no idle ac units and also a bd35f for a freezer like they do on sailboats. There would be lots of flexing/vibration on dirt roads/off road, but maybe with enough line and wrap the ends with some spring and extra rubber?