The original replacement for the 78 is either not available or extremely high priced.  Mine has the 2 hose fittings and 1 switch fitting at slightly odd angles.  A filter/drier for a 79 280ZX is very inexpensive, hose fittings appear to be the same size but angled differently, a switch port is capped off also at a slightly different angle than the original.  Will that part #33416-FOUR SEASONS-work in my 78 280Z with some plumbing modifications ( it will be needing all new hoses and lines anyway) and  some bracket modification.  I think I remember seeing a YOU TUBE video of that bracket being cut off and using the original mount bracket.  I am not very knowledgeable on A/C systems.  Just trying to line up new parts or refurbish the old ones for the A/C system.  It is quite strange why a similar functioning part can be priced so drastically different from one model year to the next.  Thanks for any input or advice, John-Lugoff, SC.

 

Taking a chance and ordered from FOUR SEASONS-  filter/drier #33416   pressure switch #35758    connecter-pigtail #37219   valve core kit #26777   Hopefully these parts will fit and function properly.  The mounting bracket removal should not be very difficult.  Just uncertain about the switch and the correct pressures.  Any helpful experience and info welcome, thanks, John-Lugoff, SC.

Yup, that will work. I have one in my 260Z. The high pressure (liquid line) tubing is standard 3/8" OD refrigeration tubing (soft copper) and can be bent with a standard 3/8" tubing bender and flared with a standard flaring tool (NOT an "AN" flaring tool) you can get from any hardware store or plumbing supply or HVAC supply.  Nuts and fittings are all standard refrigeration flare fittings.

Thanks for the reply.  The parts are on the way.  I do have a tubing bender tool and flaring kit.  A quick look at my filter/drier appears to have AN style fittings.  I will look closer at the lines.  As mentioned before, I am not too familiar dealing with A/C systems since I was born and raised in the Northeast and we really never needed AC in the vehicles we owned.  Down here in SC it is almost a necessity.  I am much more familiar with working on the heating systems-a necessity when it is 15-20 below zero up in the mountains during the winter.  Thanks again, John-Lugoff-SC.