AC Upgrade
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 807
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From: VIRGINIA BEACH VIRGINIA
AC Upgrade
I have a 1979 L-48 with air conditioning (R-12) and the compressor stopped working. I was wondering what I need to buy to upgrade to R-134 and which compressor I need to buy. The compressor I have now is one of the long ones (about a foot long). Would I need to get a compressor, accumulator.....??? Everything else works and I really don't want to spend an arm and a leg on this either.
Thanks
Dan
Thanks
Dan
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 807
Likes: 2
From: VIRGINIA BEACH VIRGINIA
Cool, thank you. There is an awful lot of little o-rings in that package. Is there really that many o-rings in it or is that so the conversion kit can be used on other vehicles also. I may try this one out.
Thanks again.
Thanks again.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
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From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
"The compressor I have now is one of the long ones (about a foot long)."
Sounds like the A6 though you should have the R4 in 79 like in the kit pic.
At one time it was thought the O-Rings needed to be replaced.
For R134, use a smaller orifice tube like .062 Ford (2 O-rings) Red in place of the GM White .072.
Sounds like the A6 though you should have the R4 in 79 like in the kit pic.
At one time it was thought the O-Rings needed to be replaced.
For R134, use a smaller orifice tube like .062 Ford (2 O-rings) Red in place of the GM White .072.
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Safety Car
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From: Waterford Mi
I replaced my system with one from Nostalgic Air Parts
My Install page
The issue is when a compressor locks up like yours it almost always sends little bits of metal through the system. The condenser is the first place that these metal pieces get stuck making best if you replace it. Next is the drier/filter. That will need to be replaced as well.
With the new "parallel flow condensers out there today it is the best way to go.
You should be able to flush out anything that may have made it to the evaporator so you should not have to change that anyways.
Good luck
My Install page
The issue is when a compressor locks up like yours it almost always sends little bits of metal through the system. The condenser is the first place that these metal pieces get stuck making best if you replace it. Next is the drier/filter. That will need to be replaced as well.
With the new "parallel flow condensers out there today it is the best way to go.
You should be able to flush out anything that may have made it to the evaporator so you should not have to change that anyways.
Good luck
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 11,520
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From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
R134 operates at a higher pressure so you want a R4 for R134 (so check).
Some are converting to R134 using the original condenser.
Some factory A/C systems were converted to R134 by changing to a smaller orifice tube.
Later models have an orifice tube which can be checked for debris. My first R4 locked up. Went through a second new R4 & now have a ND compressor, custom brackets & hoses to stock A/C system R12.
Some are converting to R134 using the original condenser.
Some factory A/C systems were converted to R134 by changing to a smaller orifice tube.
Later models have an orifice tube which can be checked for debris. My first R4 locked up. Went through a second new R4 & now have a ND compressor, custom brackets & hoses to stock A/C system R12.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 807
Likes: 2
From: VIRGINIA BEACH VIRGINIA
Interesting. Will have to decide which one I want to do. I am going to take it up and get the system evacuated and see if I can see any debris anywhere. This may turn into a winter project. Perfect weather here now and no need for the AC.
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Joined: Sep 2001
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From: Wellington, FL
St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25
I have a 1979 L-48 with air conditioning (R-12) and the compressor stopped working. I was wondering what I need to buy to upgrade to R-134 and which compressor I need to buy. The compressor I have now is one of the long ones (about a foot long). Would I need to get a compressor, accumulator.....??? Everything else works and I really don't want to spend an arm and a leg on this either.
Thanks
Dan
Thanks
Dan
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Joined: Mar 2006
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From: Florida
They are both classed as "medium pressure refrigerants".
Compressors are designed for for hundreds of lbs higher.
Biggest difference is the type of oil with which they are assembled. Note this for type of refrigerant and warranty purposes.
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
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Joined: Sep 2001
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From: Wellington, FL
St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25
Yes it's legal. Either the above license OR a signed statement from the purchaser indicating that it is to be resold to a tech who has such license is required.