In another post I asked for advice about using an aftermarket a/c condenser in my 1991 745 turbo. I decided to go with one that Nick Bauer sells at FCP Groton, made by "Air Products/Crane" for about $140, rather than going with the Volvo OEM unit at about $350. As it turns out, I spent as much in labor costs getting a friend of mine who is a mechanic to do the work as I would have in buying the better unit, which would have fit easily, so I am told. The aftermarket unit had to be adapted to my car and it took George, my friend, several hours to cob up tubing, etc., to get it to fit right. It works okay now, but I wish I had gone with the real deal in the first place.

I have to say that Nick at FCP Groton is a very responsive businessman, and I appreciate that. I wrote him to tell him of my experience and he immediately wrote back and expressed his appreciation for my feedback and added the OEM unit (at a great price) to his listing. He does a great job, in my opinion.

So, the old adage, you get what you pay for, turns out to be true. Time will tell how long the aftermarket condenser works, but in the meantime, I have my a/c back.

Thanks for all the feedback and advice.
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Darius in Albany NY '86 744 GLE (180K, given to my mother-in-law); '91 745 Turbo (195K-my 'Little Red Wagon'), '00 Toyota Camry (90K - my wife's transportation appliance)