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

[@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

[@greghildebrand8881]

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

[@PunjabiKush]

This video is Modern Day Gold! Thanks

[@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.

[@RoddyDa]

Why have I not found this channel sooner!

[@nullwii]

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

[@pyrotechc3h8]

Thanks for sectioning off the different topics, you rock.

[@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 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@RX7GSLSEowner]

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

[@PinkOneEighty]

What god like knowledge you would give us

[@earlcousins6635]

As always GREAT STUFF! Thanks for posting.

[@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!

[@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.

[@fwdracer81]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@sambogober3197]

Awesome bro very helpful for me. Love ur work.

[@GarageFab]

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

[@Impalabelair]

Wow that's awesome brother 👏 🙌 ❤️ 👍 😎 💪 👏 I always wonder how they made the hard lines for the AC. Thank you.

[@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.

[@alexisconcepcion2638]

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

[@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.

[@tonystevens1965]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@KevinHalliburton]

Good stuff, thanks Alan!

[@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.

[@leonelsanchez4867]

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

[@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.

[@maxime_vhw]

How do you decide how much gas the loop needs?

[@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.

[@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.

[@ilovetotones1]

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

[@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 .

[@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 ?

[@garagemonkeysan]

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

[@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

[@GrimRepair]

The pressures are a lot higher in power steering systems.

[@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.

[@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.

[@balanis03]

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

[@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.

[@Hedgehodge-]

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

[@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.

[@itolond]

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

[@johnpauljones965]

awesome video! Thanks again.

[@panosath29]

Thank you for your video sir, It is very useful

[@edwinerosa9869]

Great video - very informative- thx

[@cgonz81]

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

[@euliceshernandez7628]

Can I use a #10 headlock on a #8 ac hose

[@WalterRodriguez-pd8cy]

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

[@merlyn1565]

Excellent, really useful, thank you

[@keithjessee4519]

This is excellent content

[@jessebb193]

This video kicks ass 🎉

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@johnjohnson1997]

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

[@edenfieldjared0]

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

[@ratchetwerksgarage5573]

Amazing video!! Thank you!!

[@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.

[@bigjimbo560]

good video, thanks

[@naveeedd]

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

[@HotRodHippie]

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

[@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.

[@Peter-V_00]

Great information!

[@travisaudioelectronics12vo90]

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

[@MakeAnything-]

The bigger question is: How do you know how much refrigerant to put into the system after all the custom work.

[@HotRodHippie]

Vintage Air gives you a base amount to fill the system. After that you have to know your AC systems and fill until pressures / temperatures are where they should be. I cannot give you more than that as it requires the tools and experience to "feel it" out. Definitely a task for a shop that is familiar with the process.

[@gtreib65]

Good video Weird Al doppelganger...

[@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.

[@hardikkuvariya4624]

I want to buy this 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.

[@saurabhsharma-ts6ky]

i want to make my own costem ac hose crimper

[@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.

[@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?

[@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?