A/C help for '79
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 6,101
Likes: 44
From: ABQ NM
Cruise-In II Veteran
A/C help for '79
Hi C3ers,
A friend of mine knows I'm into vettes, so she asked me a question to which I had no answer, and so I am turning to you folks for help. The A/C on her '79 doesn't work; it's not clear if the freon has simply leaked out or if there is more that needs fixing. I know systems now have to be recharged with a "friendlier" gas (R134?); this can be simple or very involved insofar as parts replacement, I know, depending on the system. Can you tell me what to expect? Would it be easiest (and least expensive) to simply gut the system and start with new components, or is this a fairly easy retrofit?
Thanks for your help.
A friend of mine knows I'm into vettes, so she asked me a question to which I had no answer, and so I am turning to you folks for help. The A/C on her '79 doesn't work; it's not clear if the freon has simply leaked out or if there is more that needs fixing. I know systems now have to be recharged with a "friendlier" gas (R134?); this can be simple or very involved insofar as parts replacement, I know, depending on the system. Can you tell me what to expect? Would it be easiest (and least expensive) to simply gut the system and start with new components, or is this a fairly easy retrofit?
Thanks for your help.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 487
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville FL
do it right, do it once.......
change out all o rings for 134a compatable o rings.
flush out evaporator, condensor, and all lines with AC flush. (don't flush any lines that have muffelers in them.)
get a new reciever/drier compatable with 134a.
use ester oil, not PAG oil. it is compatable with both r12 and 134a.
you can charge it your self if you have a good vacuum pump and a set of gages, or just take it into a reputable shop.
that is the best way to do it.
the worst way would be to get one of those kits from wallmart and pray that you do not screw up your system with it.
hope this helps,
Mike.
change out all o rings for 134a compatable o rings.
flush out evaporator, condensor, and all lines with AC flush. (don't flush any lines that have muffelers in them.)
get a new reciever/drier compatable with 134a.
use ester oil, not PAG oil. it is compatable with both r12 and 134a.
you can charge it your self if you have a good vacuum pump and a set of gages, or just take it into a reputable shop.
that is the best way to do it.
the worst way would be to get one of those kits from wallmart and pray that you do not screw up your system with it.
hope this helps,
Mike.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 238
Likes: 1
From: Oklahoma City Oklahoma
I agree with MDJ21. Convert it over to R134a.
When I bought my car (80 Coupe), the previous owner said the A/C works, just needs charged. So I assumed everything worked on it.
I didn't have the expertise to do it myself and took it to a Chevrolet Dealer who I trust and had them do it.
It took about 2 hours and cost me $239 out the door. I now have very cold air. I'm very pleased!
When I bought my car (80 Coupe), the previous owner said the A/C works, just needs charged. So I assumed everything worked on it.
I didn't have the expertise to do it myself and took it to a Chevrolet Dealer who I trust and had them do it.
It took about 2 hours and cost me $239 out the door. I now have very cold air. I'm very pleased!
