68 AC Muffler

[68 RS Z/28]

Good morning everyone.  I`m currently working on an 11B built 68 RS with the L30 327 and Powerglide.  The car has factory AC which is what I`m attempting to put back together now.  Late last summer the compressor (not the original) failed, and I`ve now gotten around to sourcing a correct replacement which has been professionally rebuilt.  I also had the POA, expansion valve and receiver dehydrator assembly serviced by Classic Auto Air as I`m converting to R134.  Hoses have therefore also been replaced and the evaporator and condenser removed and chemically cleaned. 

Last evening I was working on some of the final reassembly when I noticed something odd with my AC muffler.  According to the AIM, its not the right one!  Sheet D3 (pg 213) indicates a different muffler for a V8 (PN 3923194) than an L6 (PN 3925797).  It would seem I have an L6 muffler.  As indicated above, the compressor had been changed, so the muffler could have been changed at the same time, but I don`t believe that to be the case.  I have also spent a few hours looking at any photos I can find showing that area of the car and have noted a lot of V8 cars with what would appear to be the L6 muffler.  Obviously I want to be sure I`ve got this right before I run hoses and have the AC system charged. 

If anyone can confirm whether or not the L6 muffler was used on V8 compressors, it would be most appreciated!

Of lesser concern is a clamp that I have seen in some photos that holds the muffler to the compressor.  That said, I don`t see this in the AIM and it would seem to me to be unnecessary as the muffler appears to mount securely enough on its own. 

Was this clamp used with this style of muffler

[big iron]

In this case trust your 68 AIM as being correct if you want the system to look original.
The clamp was used in 67 only.
Bob

[Petes L48]

HBC carries repop mufflers, not sure how correct they are.

[68 RS Z/28]

Thanks for the feed back so far.  I've had alook online at the HBC repop mufflers as well as those from other sources - they don't appear correct based on the photos I have seen of V8 cars that have this style of muffler fitted.  The clamp being used in 67 only is good news however since that's one piece I now don't need to find, although they don't seem that hard/expensive to locate.  I'm still looking for other A/C V8 owner's comments as to what muffler is on their cars and would really appreciate any photos clearly showing the muffler/hose routing. 

[68L30]

I may be able to get a shot of mine tonight.....

Steve

[big iron]

There is a repo 68 muffler on eBay that looks like the one I had on my original 68 BB. If you want original, then you maybe in for a long wait.
The AIM shows the correct routing of the hoses and all parts as it left the factory. Unless you can find an original 68 survivor built 11B then the AIM is the Best way to go.
Steve,
Do you have the fender hose bracket on your 68? If it does, can you get a picture of the protective caps used on the screws? Have been trying to find out they look like for years.
Bob

[rare396bronze]

I looked up in1969 parts book 3923194 is for big block cars only it like what came on my 396 car. The parts book say's the lower muffler 3925797 is for all 68 Camaro's except 396. I have one of a 68 327 Camaro that looks like the bottom muffler that I took of a car years ago do not know the date code off that car since it was a parts car. Hope this helps.

[68 RS Z/28]

Rare396bronze - thanks for the information.  I have a feeling that this is a big block only item for 68 as well, but don't have a very good parts book to confirm.  If another member could tell me the applications listed for PN 3923194 and PN 3925797 that would be greatly appreciated.  I've sent some photos to some restoration shops that specialize in A/C and one seems to be quite certain small blocks were equipped with 3925797. 

Big Iron - I also note from the discussion above that use of 3923194 seems to also require the fender hose bracket.  My car has the dimple where this bracket would mount, but its never been drilled.  Of course the fender wheel could have been changed out long ago, but I don't think so based on the condition, paint, etc when I took the car apart 22 years ago. 

Thanks again for all the help.

[bertfam]

If another member could tell me the applications listed for PN 3923194 and PN 3925797 that would be greatly appreciated.

Per the AIM (UPC C60, sheet D3, item #3):

3923194 - V-8 engine
3925797 - L-6 engine

Per the P&A:

3923194 - 1968 Camaro 396
3925797 - 1968 Camaro except 396

Ed

[big iron]

The 3923194 is the muffler for BB only as seen in the AIM C60 D3 in the upper picture that is misidentified as V-8 Engine, should be 396 Engine. The lower picture with incomplete identification L-6 Engine, should be All other Engines except 396.
A further identification in the AIM C60 D4 identifies hose routing for all engines except 396 but view A and B  of same page shows muffler and hose routing for BB
with clamp on right fenderwell, BB ONLY.
The clip 382770, screw 9419380, clamp 3925746 and caps ( 3738197 ) are what I was referring to about trying to get a picture of as I  vaguely remember them on my BB 68.
Bob

[68 RS Z/28]

Ed/Bob - thanks very much for taking the time to look this up/comment.  That's great news that this piece is 396 only - Since I seem to have all the correct parts, I should have my system buttoned up by the weekend! 

Gord