Somehow I need to get my a/c pipes extended on a 2002 MR2. It needed a new a/c condenser and they seem to be nearly impossible to get hold of and very expensive. I took a punt and bought a US spec one as the picture seemed to look the same. Unfortunately it's like a mirror image and the pipes are at the wrong end. Is there a way of extending the pipes maybe by using flexible rubber hoses that anyone knows about.

I'm sure I've seen a Eurocarparts catalogue for AC spares that possibly listed pipes and fittings?

All the parts can be sold by car builder solutions, including rubber hoses, so I'd say yes
http://www.carbuildersolutions.com/uk/search?q=Air+conditioning

them pipes are pretty thick so i assume the pressure is pretty high.
i would go to a hydraulics place and get them to make some up for you,maybe there is a reason they are ally and not rubber ?.

It doesn't look like car builder solutions do the right type of fittings. I will need to go from aluminium to rubber then back to aluminium for it to work. I've found this site in America that has quite a lot of different fittings that might work. I'm currently thinking of cutting the pipe then using weld on barbs for rubber hose. Any idea how much pressure the condenser and pipework is under?

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/search/A!s!C+Fittings+%26+Tu bing/N0275/C0352.oap

Pressure is likely to be around about 5 or 6 bar

High side, 250-300 psi, compressor, condenser to evaporating valve, low side will see around 50psi

R134a is thin and will leach through rubber, you need the correct lined hose.

[Edited on 16/8/15 by mark chandler]

Condenser is usually on the high side, right after the pump.

Usual working pressure is 10-15 BAR.

Pipes can be really expensive and it may be cheaper to just buy the right condenser.

Have a look for a air con specialist near you that has facilities to make to pipe (or modify) as a swagging tool will cost around £1000 to make the high pressure joins.

There loads of 2nd hand aircon pumps on eBay. Would it not of been easier just to buy one of them?

If only it was the pump. Unfortunately it's the condenser (radiator) that's leaking which for some strange reason are very hard to get hold of.

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Originally posted by Davegtst
If only it was the pump. Unfortunately it's the condenser (radiator) that's leaking which for some strange reason are very hard to get hold of.

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Could you recover the fittings or brackets from the old rad and TIG into the new one?

Not sure if that's possible. This is what I'm up against.