Hi all, got a 1980 vette and the air has been kaput for some time now, I am wondering what the smart or right thing to do is. Do I repair the original system or is there a way to upgrade to the new refrigerant? I like keeping this car original but like to make smart decisions. Any and all help is appreciated and I love this forum, thanks

 

I have done my 81 both ways, and prefer the R12. Blows colder.

 

Unless the condenser needs to be replaced I believe you're best off using R12. If the condenser does need to be replaced make certain you do so with one designed for R134a or other modern refrigerant. When converting to modern refrigerants ALL "O" rings and seals in the system MUST be replaced with ones intended for the refrigerant used.

It's nearly SOP to replace both the expansion valve and accumulator/drier in a system that hasn't worked for any length of time. The expansion valve is easy to replace--the accumulator/drier is an utter pain.

 

You have a few choices on this issue;

1. Keep the system as-is; get it repaired and recharged. R-12 is a more expensive refrigerant, but it is still available and you may only need to add some R-12 every few years, if the system is in good shape.

2. Buy the hardware kit to change over to R-134a. Somewhat expensive to do what is 'proper' to convert. Requires that your system be cleaned/flushed to rid any R-12 before installing R-134a.

3. There is a way to keep the system as-is, but swap over to 134a. It requires adding a special additive to the refrigerant (R-134a) which allows some residual R-12 to still be in the system and mix with the new refrigerant. I don't know the downside of doing this. Maybe others will chime in.

Personally, if your existing hardware is still in good shape, I would just have it checked out, vacuumed down to assure good sealing, and recharge with R-12.

 

Especially when it's against Federal law for any business to sell it in the U.S.

 

I daily drive my 79 and had the AC converted to 134. With the original condenser, it was still freezing cold. After the original compressor failed, I had the whole system gone through, including putting in s 134 reproduction condenser from Classic Auto Air. It didn't blow very cold. Then, the new compressor I had installed sprung a leak, so I had an AC Delco compressor installed and now it's back to freezing.

As long as everything is working correctly, you shouldn't have a problem with 134.

 

R-12 has restrictions that only licensed technicians can buy/install it, but it is NOT illegal in the U.S. There are many thousands of cars still on the road that have R-12 charged A/C systems and recharge capabilities are still available.

You must be thinking about LA-LA land....

 

I live in PHX AZ....Aka planet crematoria. Fix your existing AC....the only thing to complain about is the R-4 'pancake' compressors leak out of the seals....designed in...but that does not affect performance.

I spend half my life working on A/C systems...9 cars you know.

Fallacies/myths/Bunk/BS= CFC134 is not as cold as R-12.....horse droppings!

1978 VW Scirocco....York piston compressor. System OPTIMISED for CFC134.....output air temp (with certified thermocouple) 27° F at 110° F outside air temp....try THAT R-12.
Standard R-12 output 40°-42 F

People like to 'blame' CFC134....when they just don't understand the AC system.

A/Cs are set up with a capillary tube so as NOT to freeze the air and moisture in the evap core. This is why they are set at the factory at 40-42°...just above freezing.

This is a system that can be manipulated. You can buy other orifice tubes as well.

Fix what you have VERY well and OPTIMISE THE SYSTEM.
flapper doors sealing?
Hot air intrusion?
Heater core shut off completely and or equipped with a by-pass?
EVERY MOLECULE of air that can be rammed thru the condensor core IS?? Heavy duty fan? Clutch?
ENTIRE A/c system purged of old oil and debris?
Evap core clean as a whistle? Cond core ditto??

There are dozens of things you can do to get REALLY COLD air out of CFC134....I can prove it!

 

Not a replacement. I tell you what. You tell me just ONE auto parts chain that I can get it through, and I'll give them a visit the same day.

 

Remove it. Take the T-tops off.

 

7T1VETTE....There is a R-12 replacement...it is legal to install and you do not need to change the PAG oil from your R-12 system. The product is called FREEZE 12. Come in 16oz cans. Uses the R-12 nipples. It's a direct replacement even if you still have a partial R-12 Charge in the system.
You might have to do some searching....but it's out there. (I buy it in 6 -packs).

Greetings from Planet Crematoria.