Air Conditioning failure from Rago bumper

[Al Hoffman]

I recently purchased a 2025 LC250 1958. I installed a Rago Fabrication bumper, brush guard, and skid plate. After the first off road trip over Engineer Pass the AC failed. Stevinson Toyota in Lakewood claims the Rago bumper rubbed on the AC line and punctured it. They gave an estimate of $1300 to replace the line and charge the system. I set an appointment for two weeks later, and when I showed up they didn't have the part. They said they would have the part in three days. They still don't have the part, and now say they have no idea when they can get it. Rago hasn't been helpful even though the design of their product caused the problem. I am frustrated at myself for putting on that worthless bumper. I am frustrated at Rago for selling something that damages the components it was supposed to protect. The dealer isn't helping, and apparently Toyota doesn't make the part. Does anyone have any ideas? Can a part be fabricated?

This all occurred under 1k mikes.

 

[NoMe cruiser]

I installed a Rago Fabrication bumper, brush guard, and skid plate.

I’m sorry about your current situation, honestly though, perhaps you should have taken it to a professional to do the installation. They may have noticed the line and rerouted it. Either way…
Is it a hard line or a rubber line? If it’s a hard line someone will have to put a different bend in it when you do get the parts. A good mechanic can make you a hard line. Toyota won’t cover it under warranty so I would try a reputable mechanic first. Either hard or soft line they should be able to make one I would assume. Welcome to the forum and good luck!

 

[HI_LC250]

I just finished residential HVAC class, since your system has no charge someone can cut the puncture out, weld in new section, and recharge. Check with local HVAC companies... as HVAC applies to automotive as well (I was told).

 

[ultane]

I recently purchased a 2025 LC250 1958. I installed a Rago Fabrication bumper, brush guard, and skid plate. After the first off road trip over Engineer Pass the AC failed. Stevinson Toyota in Lakewood claims the Rago bumper rubbed on the AC line and punctured it. They gave an estimate of $1300 to replace the line and charge the system. I set an appointment for two weeks later, and when I showed up they didn't have the part. They said they would have the part in three days. They still don't have the part, and now say they have no idea when they can get it. Rago hasn't been helpful even though the design of their product caused the problem. I am frustrated at myself for putting on that worthless bumper. I am frustrated at Rago for selling something that damages the components it was supposed to protect. The dealer isn't helping, and apparently Toyota doesn't make the part. Does anyone have any ideas? Can a part be fabricated?

This all occurred under 1k mikes.

That sucks dirty pond water!!!

Welcome to the asylum.

 

[Grandpawmoses]

I just finished residential HVAC class, since your system has no charge someone can cut the puncture out and weld in new section, and recharge. Check without local HVAC companies... as HVAC applies to automotive as well (I was told).

This is what I would do.

 

[RideWithYanu]

Dude that sucks so bad. You’re not the only person who has had this issue with Rago and I’d not buy one of their products after such critical failures.

Do what these folks say, it shouldn’t be too bad:

I’m sorry about your current situation, honestly though, perhaps you should have taken it to a professional to do the installation. They may have noticed the line and rerouted it. Either way…
Is it a hard line or a rubber line? If it’s a hard line someone will have to put a different bend in it when you do get the parts. A good mechanic can make you a hard line. Toyota won’t cover it under warranty so I would try a reputable mechanic first. Either hard or soft line they should be able to make one I would assume. Welcome to the forum and good luck!

I just finished residential HVAC class, since your system has no charge someone can cut the puncture out and weld in new section, and recharge. Check without local HVAC companies... as HVAC applies to automotive as well (I was told).

 

[EOD Guy]

Here's a long shot.......Most hydraulic shops can make a rubber AC line, but it will be expensive. Most welding shops can sleeve/weld a hard line, but probably won't guarantee it not to leak in the future.

If none of the above are feasible.......Cell phone pictures of what the LC line looks like, start hitting some U-Pull it yards and see if you can get one that's close, until you can get a new one. Compressor/condenser/dryer mounts are important, length not as much (as long as each end will mount where it's supposed to go)

 

[Bad1975]

When I installed my Rago bumper I noticed the same thing and gently bent the line (lower drivers side corner of the condenser) by hand to add a little clearance and then wrapped the line in fuel line hose to prevent any direct rubbing during movement. It really shouldn't take much as both are mounted to the frame so they will move together for the most part.

Rago should probably modify either the bumper in that area or put a note in the installation instructions about modification of the bumper or A/C line may be required.

No failures on mine after about 2K miles and 250 miles offroad.

Vintage air will make hardlines for you if you send in what you need made, you could even modify as needed or also send a piece of bent copper wire with the preferred bends of the new piece in it.

Making your own isn't feasible at home unless you can TIG stainless or wanna try silver soldering as a beading tool isn't cheap nor easy to use and get right. You can buy the tubing and ends from vintage air in stainless at least (not sure if aluminum is available) as well for welding or soldering. Most of these are either No. 6, 8, 10 fittings, (bead flares with O-ring style fittings) and not your standard single or double flare fittings.

Of course you need to know the size of tubing, fittings, threads on fittings and style used so not just a simple fix to make your own or have one made unless someone knows what they are doing. Be easier to have a shop make a crimped rubber ac line with fittings on the end if the clearance is available at the condenser with a 90, 45 or such fitting and likely that more ac shops would have this capability.

If Toyota can't come through on parts your gonna need a good automotive AC shop. I'd ask Rago if they would cover some of the bill at least since there is no mention of potential issues is the directions?