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A/C conversion

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Old Jul 22, 2008 | 06:26 PM
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Default A/C conversion

Can anyone tell me if there is anything that has to be done to the AC system on my 1970 vette to convert it to 134. I know about the vacuming of the system, plus the new oil and fittings. My concern is will I damage any of the old components on the ac system or does anything have to be replaced in order to convert to 134. Getting way to expensive trying to work with R12.

JR188
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Old Jul 22, 2008 | 07:33 PM
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There are kits available at auto parts stores to make the conversion, and if done properly, doing so will not hurt your system's a/c components. However, performance results are rarely as good as that of using R12 refrigerant. My suggestion is to stay with R12 for best results as this is the stuff your system was designed for.
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Old Jul 22, 2008 | 07:35 PM
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I stayed with R12 in mine. Runs great. However I can still buy R12 cans right off the shelf in auto stores in Ont. Canada.
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Old Jul 22, 2008 | 07:36 PM
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R12 is available on Ebay.
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Old Jul 22, 2008 | 07:37 PM
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If you go to some of the AC web sites, you will find that it is recommended that you completely flush your system to remove the old oil. It is also recommended that you replace all of your O rings and upgrade your hoses. Having pointed out what the AC guys recommend, I will also tell you that there are many here on the forum who have just replaced the drier, add the proper oil, pull a vacuum and add 134. And they have had success. Talk to guys that have done it and make up your mind.
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Old Jul 22, 2008 | 07:38 PM
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Originally Posted by Dunner
I stayed with R12 in mine. Runs great. However I can still buy R12 cans right off the shelf in auto stores in Ont. Canada.
Didn't know that. What is the cost per can and can you legally cross the border into the US with it?
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Old Jul 22, 2008 | 07:42 PM
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Originally Posted by Jud Chapin
Didn't know that. What is the cost per can and can you legally cross the border into the US with it?
Costs 14.99 CAD a can. I bought a kit which includes 2 cans and a quality gauge for 35.00 As far crossing the border I don't know. I don't think it would be something I would want to "declare"
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Old Jul 22, 2008 | 07:44 PM
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Originally Posted by Dunner
Costs 14.99 CAD a can. I bought a kit which includes 2 cans and a quality gauge for 35.00 As far crossing the border I don't know. I don't think it would be something I would want to "declare"
So R12 is still being manufactured in Canada? Thanks for the info.
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Old Jul 22, 2008 | 08:06 PM
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I happen to have a 30lb that still has some 25+ in it, if someone might be interested.

Would have to be someone in the area though, as i don't believe it would be somethiing that I'd want to ship.

All my toys that had R12 are long gone...
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