lrymal
10-08-2002, 12:00 PM
Folks, we have a problem with the GrandAm's airconditioning design. Basically, the GrandAm's airconditioning condenser is exposed to the road, meaning it picks up rocks and debris. In my case, I have holes through the cooling fins. This condenser will set YOU back over $200.00 and that is a discounted price. If gets worse. If you live in a salty area, such as ice-clearing, or on the Coast, then you have even more problems since this condenser might be of aluminum construction which reacts feriously to salt. Eventually, it will corrode, especially at the point of a rock punch.
Protection can be had by installing a gutter guard at the chin opening, or by crafting some sort of guard directly on the condenser itself. There are several good examples at the GrandAmGT site about installing the gutter guard on the chin. Use the SEARCH button for grill or gutter. You get both protection and a cool cosmetic look.
Swordfencer is the last poster who I corresponded with on this and he said, "I thought about mounting something to the condenser as well, and I am still thinking of it. I was going to use a fine mesh screen, but it would have been a pain to keep clean."
This link goes to the opening at the chin, showing how the debris travels upwards, punching the condenser. (http://us.f1.yahoofs.com/users/104ffdbf/bc/Pontiac+Grand+Am+by+Larry/P9230083.jpg?bcn0qy9Aep4lU_R9)
This link is a closer photo of the actual condensor, under the chin. (http://us.f1.yahoofs.com/users/104ffdbf/bc/Pontiac+Grand+Am+by+Larry/P9230084.jpg?bcn0qy9AeBk3TTM0) It is really difficult to see the severity of the damage with just a photo, but if you were there, you'd see bent fins and near holes.
So, at least in my opinion, a word to the wise... devise some sort of protection.
Protection can be had by installing a gutter guard at the chin opening, or by crafting some sort of guard directly on the condenser itself. There are several good examples at the GrandAmGT site about installing the gutter guard on the chin. Use the SEARCH button for grill or gutter. You get both protection and a cool cosmetic look.
Swordfencer is the last poster who I corresponded with on this and he said, "I thought about mounting something to the condenser as well, and I am still thinking of it. I was going to use a fine mesh screen, but it would have been a pain to keep clean."
This link goes to the opening at the chin, showing how the debris travels upwards, punching the condenser. (http://us.f1.yahoofs.com/users/104ffdbf/bc/Pontiac+Grand+Am+by+Larry/P9230083.jpg?bcn0qy9Aep4lU_R9)
This link is a closer photo of the actual condensor, under the chin. (http://us.f1.yahoofs.com/users/104ffdbf/bc/Pontiac+Grand+Am+by+Larry/P9230084.jpg?bcn0qy9AeBk3TTM0) It is really difficult to see the severity of the damage with just a photo, but if you were there, you'd see bent fins and near holes.
So, at least in my opinion, a word to the wise... devise some sort of protection.