Vehicle AC issue - help

[Stowaway]

Hoping for some help....

My AC Condenser has a hole in it from a rock (the dealership told me this). New part is $325, plus $80 freon, plus $300 for labor.

I've looked online and called around a little and it seems the part is a performance part and can only be ordered from the manufacture (Toyota).....I did find one online but I'm skeptical since what I was told. I was told that someone could probably weld fix it....then I'd only need a freon charge after that.

Anyone have experience with a weld/fix on a AC Condenser? Anyone own a shop that might be able to order the part for me at a much lower rate then quoted or someone who'd do the weld (if done before)? I don't care if it's aftermarket. The vehicle is a 05' Toyota Corolla XRS with the 2ZZ engine...which is different than the regular Corolla 1ZZ engine(LE, EX & S) the part# for the XRS is 88450-02261 where as the part# for the regular is 88450-02260.

Thanks in advance!

[CATCH AND EAT]

There are no aftermarter interchanges for this condensor and it is indeed a dealer only item. I checked with Mac's Radiator for you and it is a no go for any aftermarket interchanges. Sorry.

$300 labor and recharge is about right so I don't think you are really getting stroked. By the time you pay to have the condensor changed (may have to pull bumper to do it) and then recharge the R134 system and possibly replace the reciver dryer you most likely are getting a pretty decent shake.

Now do not use your JB weld or any of that other garbage to seal a hole. This is a high pressure system bro. One thing you could check into is having your condensor repaired by Mac's radiator. Since there is not a charge left in the system at this time why not pull the condensor out and take it down to have them look at it for a possible repair? Makes sense right? It's worth a shot with the expense of that condensor. Might save a few sawbucks. Mac's is listed in the yellow pages or on line. you can pm me for their number if you wish. They have lots of locations throughout PDX , OR and WA

[luv_2_fish]

You may have a chance of finding this particular part at a "newer" junk car yard. If you can find an exact model of the car, you are in luck and the exact part may cost much less. 2005 models might be available some where...

[Stowaway]

I was refered to go to Macs also by someone else to see if they could fix it....this is what I'll probably do.

I don't think the 'newer' junk yards would have this car. From what I know there are only a handful of these models on the west coast. Chances are pretty slim since it's a special limited production model. It's the least produced Corolla ever.