134a conversion
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 801
Likes: 17
From: Middletown Delaware
134a conversion
Converting a 73 big block a/c to 134a. What is required to be done with the dryer/reciever. Do I just need to replace it with a new unit or do I need to upgrade to something else. Dave
Last edited by Dave Witman; Apr 13, 2009 at 06:47 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,417
Likes: 1,554
From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
R134a
Haven't tried it myself but I saved this http://www.corvetteforum.net/c3/zwed...c/retrofit.htm PG.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 605
Likes: 0
From: Alta Loma CA
That's good information above but your '73 has a VIR system. So what is said on that other post does not all apply.
There are a few options you can choose to do this. You would have to replace the VIR or rebuild it to convert to 134. All lines and parts need to be flushed. Compressor oil needs to be changed to 134 type. You can also get a VIR eliminator kit instead of dealing with the VIR. Most likely thats cheaper and easier. Ecklers and others have the kit.
On my own I upgraded to a 82 Evaporator and Accumulator. Then changed to a Sanden compressor. The results still were not waht I hoped for. This also needs custom hoses made. I had mine done at a local shop.
So now I am in the process of changing the Condensor to a crossflow type. I am just finished changing the blower fan to a C4 model from an '87. Much better air flow. When I'm finished we'll see how all this works.
So there is alot to consider in making the change. With the amount I've spent I'm not far from putting in an aftermarket model. That's something to think about too.
Hope all my ramblings help you.
There are a few options you can choose to do this. You would have to replace the VIR or rebuild it to convert to 134. All lines and parts need to be flushed. Compressor oil needs to be changed to 134 type. You can also get a VIR eliminator kit instead of dealing with the VIR. Most likely thats cheaper and easier. Ecklers and others have the kit.
On my own I upgraded to a 82 Evaporator and Accumulator. Then changed to a Sanden compressor. The results still were not waht I hoped for. This also needs custom hoses made. I had mine done at a local shop.
So now I am in the process of changing the Condensor to a crossflow type. I am just finished changing the blower fan to a C4 model from an '87. Much better air flow. When I'm finished we'll see how all this works.
So there is alot to consider in making the change. With the amount I've spent I'm not far from putting in an aftermarket model. That's something to think about too.
Hope all my ramblings help you.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,889
Likes: 23
From: Kansas
Look guys, I just put my system together and pumped it down. waited 30 minutes , put in shot of 134 oil, and two and one half cans of 134 and it's been cooling for the last 3 years. I guess I'm just not too smart, I read an article by the people who make 134 and they took 12 Co. cars, did what I did to mine to 6, flushed out 3 more and filled with 134, and took the other 3 and changed all the parts which you are talking about and filled. The 12 cars are all still cooling. Why don't you write the people who make the 134 and check this out. Doctorgene
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
Haven't done one yet myself, but according to Interdynamics, who happen to be a player in the business, this isn't exactly rocket science...
http://www.id-usa.com/how_to.asp
Hope that's worth something to someone.
TSW
http://www.id-usa.com/how_to.asp
Hope that's worth something to someone.
TSW
