I wanted to start a discussion about the 280z HVAC.   It’s a bit confusing to me and I need some education to make the proper decisions to move forward.  
 

My car is a stock AC car so it has two HVAC control valves.  One is a vacuum valve for the AC and the other a mechanical valve with a thermostatic sensor for the heater.  This sensor has a coiled copper wire that sits under the heater core and the other end goes to the heater valve.  I’m not sure how all these devices work together.  My reading leads me to believe this system is all that great, not to mention stock components are in the unobtainable category.  
 

First are there modern valve alternatives?  Second, there are Nissan heater valves for a non-ac ZX that would probably work, the question is what do you lose with removal of the thermostatic sensor that’s on an AC car?   Not sure why an AC car has this additional sensor and why it is coiled below the heater core?  If I went with a ZX valve and kept the Vacuum AC valve would I not be able to control temperature?  I really don’t know so I can’t make a decision on the proper way forward.  My contact in WI that rebuilds heater valves has gone silent on me so I’m looking at alternatives until he responds.  
i have a new Dash that arrived from Vintage Dashes next week and when I return from my 10 day work trip I want all my stuff ready to go.  I’m not doing this job twice.  I needed the heater stuff squared away before installing the dash! 
I can’t imagine I’m the only person that has had to deal with this, so I’m hoping there is corporate knowledge out there on suitable alternatives.  I live in the South and heat isn’t a must have but it get cold here.  Got done to 28 last night.  Summers are brutal….AC is a must.  Mid to high 90’s during peak summer with humidity 95+ %.   No AC = No Go.   I’d like to have both work.    There is heater valve off a 70’s Volvo looks promising.  For sale on Amazon for $99 with free returns, only difference is the cable connection is on the opposite side.  Could be an easy mod?  Last pics are of this Volvo valve.
Here are pics of the above discussed components. 

 

 

Good to hear, I need new hoses and condenser anyway but I agree that it’s BS.
It there anyway to test a compressor and it is worth to have it rebuilt? I’d rather use my Hitachi and roll like you and DaveWM…he lives in FL I think and you can’t live without AC there either.


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