C2 Fac A/C - R12 or Convert to R134a
07-04-2018, 09:41 AM
#1
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
C2 Fac A/C - R12 or Convert to R134a
About to have my 1966 Factory A/C system rebuilt as front seal blew on the compressor and lost freon. I read info re R12 and R134a pros/cons but curious from a purist point of view how conversion (if done) to R134a may affect NCRS points . ie - does the R134a change any visual aspects of an original factory installation? i.e. valves. switches, fittings, etc?
07-04-2018, 09:48 AM
#2
Team Owner
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2015 C2 of Year Finalist
since R12 is still available and your worried about NCRS why change it over
07-04-2018, 09:58 AM
#4
Team Owner
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2015 C2 of Year Finalist
07-04-2018, 10:08 AM
#5
Instructor
07-04-2018, 10:12 AM
#6
Team Owner
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i know in my area it’s avalible. It’s not cheap but it’s out there. I see your from the west cost that’s why I asked if it’s a regional thing.
07-04-2018, 12:24 PM
#8
Have you checked the price of 1234YF?
Have you check the price on the new refrigerant that is used in new automobiles. It is 1234YF and is nearly $100 for a 8 ounce can. A/C Techs will have to buy all
new equipment to comply with EPA regulations. Both my 2015 Jeep and 2016 Tacoma has it.
new equipment to comply with EPA regulations. Both my 2015 Jeep and 2016 Tacoma has it.
07-04-2018, 02:02 PM
#9
Race Director
Although R12 is no longer manufactured it is being reclaimed..........and no new equipment is being installed that uses R12. So it should become more available, not less. It is not being destroyed by anyone, although it can still be lost to the atmosphere. It is not difficult to buy, but prices still remain high, especially during the summertime.
If you convert a old R12 system to R134a and do it as federally required it will change the car's appearance since you must add R134a fittings and a decal stating which refrigerant is in use. However, many folks do not do this..............so there is no outward change in appearance.
There are a number of articles on what is required and how to do this changeover, just GOOGLE it. There is probably also info in our FAQ Section for Air Conditioning. If you cannot find or need help, let us/me know.
Larry
If you convert a old R12 system to R134a and do it as federally required it will change the car's appearance since you must add R134a fittings and a decal stating which refrigerant is in use. However, many folks do not do this..............so there is no outward change in appearance.
There are a number of articles on what is required and how to do this changeover, just GOOGLE it. There is probably also info in our FAQ Section for Air Conditioning. If you cannot find or need help, let us/me know.
Larry
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Powderboy (07-04-2018)
07-04-2018, 02:30 PM
#10
Instructor
Although R12 is no longer manufactured it is being reclaimed..........and no new equipment is being installed that uses R12. So it should become more available, not less. It is not being destroyed by anyone, although it can still be lost to the atmosphere. It is not difficult to buy, but prices still remain high, especially during the summertime.
If you convert a old R12 system to R134a and do it as federally required it will change the car's appearance since you must add R134a fittings and a decal stating which refrigerant is in use. However, many folks do not do this..............so there is no outward change in appearance.
There are a number of articles on what is required and how to do this changeover, just GOOGLE it. There is probably also info in our FAQ Section for Air Conditioning. If you cannot find or need help, let us/me know.
Larry
If you convert a old R12 system to R134a and do it as federally required it will change the car's appearance since you must add R134a fittings and a decal stating which refrigerant is in use. However, many folks do not do this..............so there is no outward change in appearance.
There are a number of articles on what is required and how to do this changeover, just GOOGLE it. There is probably also info in our FAQ Section for Air Conditioning. If you cannot find or need help, let us/me know.
Larry
07-04-2018, 06:01 PM
#12
Instructor
R12 ???
Gentlemen I don't know if you realize that there is an endless supply of R12 in Mexico and living in Arizona it's just one of the things that suddenly arrive across the border. Sometimes I think that they make more on it then cocaine. Look and you shall find.
07-04-2018, 09:37 PM
#13
Race Director
Make sure you know what you are buying. Trust...........but verify.
Larry
Last edited by Powershift; 07-04-2018 at 09:38 PM.
07-04-2018, 09:46 PM
#14
Race Director
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St. Jude Donor '07
Good info Larry. The shop I use told me they ran out and to buy more was so expensive they didnt feel like they could pass the cost onto their customers. I have a factory air K-5 blazer with non functioning air. To convert is 2k but your post is making me reconsider. Perhaps I can locate some myself and even stock pile some in case the system fails and leaks it out in the future.
Bill
07-04-2018, 10:08 PM
#15
Melting Slicks
All three of my classic cars have AC. Two were R12 and one poorly converted to R134. I converted it back with the help of guys on this site... Larry and Mike. I’m a fan of originality.
I’m very happy with the performance. Certainly don’t want to debate it but the system was originally designed for R12.
As as others have said, finding R12 isn’t too hard. eBay and Craig’s list. I have enough to last a lifetime.
Ed
I’m very happy with the performance. Certainly don’t want to debate it but the system was originally designed for R12.
As as others have said, finding R12 isn’t too hard. eBay and Craig’s list. I have enough to last a lifetime.
Ed
07-04-2018, 11:04 PM
#16
Burning Brakes
I'll give you the advice I received. To get the most efficiency out of the r134a consider changing out the condenser to a parallel flow unit. I would also change out the dryer regardless of using r12 or r134a , they are rebuild-able so if yours is original and you want to keep it go that route. How old are your refrigerant lines? I think you may also have to have the STV valve adjusted for r134a so check on that.
07-05-2018, 08:21 AM
#19
Melting Slicks
I'll never again put R134 in a system designed for R12, you'll never be satisfied with the performance. If you want to be environmentally responsible, changeover to a hydrocarbon refrigerant rather than a fluorocarbon, they perform as well if not better than original R12 and can be mixed with either R12 or R134. The catch is that you must do it yourself because professionals are not allowed to use it thanks for industry lobbyists and their power in congress.
And now I guess I'll have to find that old flame suit...
And now I guess I'll have to find that old flame suit...
07-05-2018, 08:54 AM
#20
Drifting
But...they can get government assitance:
Free health care
Welfare
SNAP cards (fancy name for food stamps)
Housing assistance
Immediate eligibility for Social Security
Gotta love the "wealth distribution" designed by our great government officials to redistribute our tax $$$$
Sorry for the hi-jack but rant over!!!!
Free health care
Welfare
SNAP cards (fancy name for food stamps)
Housing assistance
Immediate eligibility for Social Security
Gotta love the "wealth distribution" designed by our great government officials to redistribute our tax $$$$
Sorry for the hi-jack but rant over!!!!