Freon
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Instructor
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 128
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Freon
Hey guys, its been while since my last post, been steadily fixing things on my 75 with ALOT of help from my Dad. Its amazing how awesome it is having a father son project like this.
Do you have any suggestions of where to buy/what kind of freon to buy for a 1975 GM Vette compressor?
Do you have any suggestions of where to buy/what kind of freon to buy for a 1975 GM Vette compressor?
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,443
Likes: 65
From: Wauconda IL
Hey guys, its been while since my last post, been steadily fixing things on my 75 with ALOT of help from my Dad. Its amazing how awesome it is having a father son project like this.
Do you have any suggestions of where to buy/what kind of freon to buy for a 1975 GM Vette compressor?
Do you have any suggestions of where to buy/what kind of freon to buy for a 1975 GM Vette compressor?
R-12 can still be purchased but it's pretty pricey these days since it's no longer being manufactured due to EPA regulations.
google, ebay, Craigs are all places to look for anyone selling NOS of R-12 or R134a but remember, you need to have certification to legally purchase R-12.
Elm
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,222
Likes: 651
From: Thunder Bay
Here is Canada there is a product called Red Tek which is available to anyone through the auto parts store. It is compatible with R12 and R134a. I have used it with good results. It is supposed to be a larger molecule to reduce leakage in the system. I don't know where you are, but assuming you're in the States, check out the local auto parts place. I don't know if its available under the same name, but I suspect there is a similar product available to you. I have a 2003 Sonoma that needed a recharge, so I bought the Red Tek kit and put in a can. It now blows so cold I can hardly stand it.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 10,560
Likes: 439
From: Wellington, FL
St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25
For 75' you need R-12 unless you convert to R134a.
R-12 can still be purchased but it's pretty pricey these days since it's no longer being manufactured due to EPA regulations.
google, ebay, Craigs are all places to look for anyone selling NOS of R-12 or R134a but remember, you need to have certification to legally purchase R-12.
Elm
R-12 can still be purchased but it's pretty pricey these days since it's no longer being manufactured due to EPA regulations.
google, ebay, Craigs are all places to look for anyone selling NOS of R-12 or R134a but remember, you need to have certification to legally purchase R-12.
Elm
Also of interest is the fact that a non-certified individual can purchase R-12 (legally) on Ebay by signing a statement indicating that the refrigerant being purchased is for use by a licensed/certified individual.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,443
Likes: 65
From: Wauconda IL
Actually R-12 is still being produced, just not in the USA or other countries who are members of the group (Montreal Protocol) who decided to stop production due to the ozone layer erosion. I think a lot of what is sold on Ebay is from third world countries such as Mexico, Brazil, and Asian countries.
You are probably correct on the purchase of individual 12oz cans but ebay cannot circumvent state or federal regulations for sale of R-12.
Since I only deal in bulk quantities (30# cylinders), the sellers require to have proof of certification from the buyer to sell R-12 to anyone.
Elm
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 10,560
Likes: 439
From: Wellington, FL
St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25
Even if these countries are still producing R-12, it's illegal to import into the US anyway so whatever stock is left in the states either NOS (virgin) or reclaimed stock is all you can get.
You are probably correct on the purchase of individual 12oz cans but ebay cannot circumvent state or federal regulations for sale of R-12.
Since I only deal in bulk quantities (30# cylinders), the sellers require to have proof of certification from the buyer to sell R-12 to anyone.
Elm
You are probably correct on the purchase of individual 12oz cans but ebay cannot circumvent state or federal regulations for sale of R-12.
Since I only deal in bulk quantities (30# cylinders), the sellers require to have proof of certification from the buyer to sell R-12 to anyone.
Elm
As far as not needing to be licensed/certified to purchase R-12 by signing a form as I indicated above, this is Federal law and not something that Ebay has conjured up. And regarding getting certified, it is relatively easy, or at least it was a few years ago. While I have a limited mobile a/c tech background, I took the test on the internet which took all of 10 minutes, and had my certification certificate a couple of days later.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,116
Likes: 5
From: Livonia MI
Looks like the above’s got you covered, and would probably stick with standard R-12 if possible. Some of the drop in replacements might work, but many have flammable propane, and you may not know what mix of chemicals you’re ending up with. Different refrigerants require different types of oil, and can cause internal blockage or corrosion problems over time. Not doing much HVAC anymore, but do have the certs, recovery gear, ext. Mostly just help out some friends at times.
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Drifting
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,443
Likes: 65
From: Wauconda IL
Not to belabor the point, but just look at some of the R12 cans being sold on Ebay and you can see they are new and not something that has been sitting around for 20 years. There are a lot of things that are illegal to import into the US, but, as we all know, somehow they manage to get in.
As far as not needing to be licensed/certified to purchase R-12 by signing a form as I indicated above, this is Federal law and not something that Ebay has conjured up. And regarding getting certified, it is relatively easy, or at least it was a few years ago. While I have a limited mobile a/c tech background, I took the test on the internet which took all of 10 minutes, and had my certification certificate a couple of days later.
As far as not needing to be licensed/certified to purchase R-12 by signing a form as I indicated above, this is Federal law and not something that Ebay has conjured up. And regarding getting certified, it is relatively easy, or at least it was a few years ago. While I have a limited mobile a/c tech background, I took the test on the internet which took all of 10 minutes, and had my certification certificate a couple of days later.
If it's not made by DuPont, I won't touch it- But that's me.
I did the same thing as you regarding the certification- I do all my own A/C work for my cars and home so in order to purchase the freon, I spent 10-15 minutes on-line and the $35 to get the license. ;-)
Can you send me a link for that e-bay sign-off form? This must be something new since I got my certification or I wouldn't have bothered 10 years ago.
Thanks!
Elm
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Joined: Jul 2000
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From: Out Where the Buses Don't Run, Eglin AFB/ Niceville FL
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I did that with my 82 since I had to install a new compressor anyway due to the original leaking like crazy.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 10,560
Likes: 439
From: Wellington, FL
St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25
“IN ACCORDANCE WITH E-BAY AND FEDERAL REGULATIONS, THE BUYER MUST PROVIDE A STATEMENT INDICATING THAT THIS R-12 FREON WILL BE SOLD TO OR USED BY A LICENSED TECHNICIAN.” BUYER STATEMENT IS PROVIDED BY BIDDING AND YOU ATTEST TO THE FOLLOWING…………………………
“BY BIDDING ON THIS ITEM, I AM INCLUDING THIS STATEMENT AS PROOF: I VERIFY THAT I AM EITHER CERTIFIED BY THE EPA TO PURCHASE AND HANDLE REFRIGERANT, OR, I AM PURCHASING IT FOR RESALE OR USE BY A CERTIFIED TECHNICIAN. I ALSO CERTIFY THAT I WILL COMPLY WITH ALL THE FEDERAL AND LOCAL LAWS GOVERNING IT'S USE AND HANDLING.”
THIS BID SERVES AS MY ELECTRONIC SIGNATURE.
However, it appears that most sellers are no longer requiring this signed statement so I'm not sure what is going on. I was selling R-12 on Ebay a few years ago and all sellers had this type of form in the ad.
Jud
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,443
Likes: 65
From: Wauconda IL
HI Elm, Here you go:
“IN ACCORDANCE WITH E-BAY AND FEDERAL REGULATIONS, THE BUYER MUST PROVIDE A STATEMENT INDICATING THAT THIS R-12 FREON WILL BE SOLD TO OR USED BY A LICENSED TECHNICIAN.” BUYER STATEMENT IS PROVIDED BY BIDDING AND YOU ATTEST TO THE FOLLOWING…………………………
“BY BIDDING ON THIS ITEM, I AM INCLUDING THIS STATEMENT AS PROOF: I VERIFY THAT I AM EITHER CERTIFIED BY THE EPA TO PURCHASE AND HANDLE REFRIGERANT, OR, I AM PURCHASING IT FOR RESALE OR USE BY A CERTIFIED TECHNICIAN. I ALSO CERTIFY THAT I WILL COMPLY WITH ALL THE FEDERAL AND LOCAL LAWS GOVERNING IT'S USE AND HANDLING.”
THIS BID SERVES AS MY ELECTRONIC SIGNATURE.
However, it appears that most sellers are no longer requiring this signed statement so I'm not sure what is going on. I was selling R-12 on Ebay a few years ago and all sellers had this type of form in the ad.
Jud
“IN ACCORDANCE WITH E-BAY AND FEDERAL REGULATIONS, THE BUYER MUST PROVIDE A STATEMENT INDICATING THAT THIS R-12 FREON WILL BE SOLD TO OR USED BY A LICENSED TECHNICIAN.” BUYER STATEMENT IS PROVIDED BY BIDDING AND YOU ATTEST TO THE FOLLOWING…………………………
“BY BIDDING ON THIS ITEM, I AM INCLUDING THIS STATEMENT AS PROOF: I VERIFY THAT I AM EITHER CERTIFIED BY THE EPA TO PURCHASE AND HANDLE REFRIGERANT, OR, I AM PURCHASING IT FOR RESALE OR USE BY A CERTIFIED TECHNICIAN. I ALSO CERTIFY THAT I WILL COMPLY WITH ALL THE FEDERAL AND LOCAL LAWS GOVERNING IT'S USE AND HANDLING.”
THIS BID SERVES AS MY ELECTRONIC SIGNATURE.
However, it appears that most sellers are no longer requiring this signed statement so I'm not sure what is going on. I was selling R-12 on Ebay a few years ago and all sellers had this type of form in the ad.
Jud
It appears there is no longer any real control over this stuff anymore.
Nothing is preventing anyone from buying the stuff and using it.
They have more rules in place for buying model glue! lol
I'm sure there is no follow-up by the government either.
Gee, I want my $35 buck back! ;-)
Thanks for the info Jud!
Elm
Racer
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 462
Likes: 1
From: Westernport Maryland
Freon
Check
http://www.es-refrigerants.com/
http://www.es-refrigerants.com/
Hey guys, its been while since my last post, been steadily fixing things on my 75 with ALOT of help from my Dad. Its amazing how awesome it is having a father son project like this.
Do you have any suggestions of where to buy/what kind of freon to buy for a 1975 GM Vette compressor?
Do you have any suggestions of where to buy/what kind of freon to buy for a 1975 GM Vette compressor?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,116
Likes: 5
From: Livonia MI
The earlier mention of only using the Dupont brand, isn't of concern, as most of the 30# refrigerant jugs I have are made by other major players like Allied Chemical and Pennwalt. They all have they're own names, as Freon is a Dupont trademark. Age is of no concern either, as not like this stuff wears out. Another suggestion would be putting in an Ultra Violet trace dye shot, for finding leaks later. You can get these in different formulations for motor oil, tranny fluid, or anti freeze. I have the whole Spectronics kit, but the UV trace lights have really come down. Got a 45 led UV flashlight from Amazon for $15 bucks.
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,629
Likes: 4
From: Somers CT
You'd be wise to go to the local A/C guy and have him charge your system properly with R12 which is readily available at any good shop. Plus he'll have the right tools and knowledge to do it correctly, I've had my system done twice over the past few years.
You might be suprised to find that the cost of R12 has dropped a little because there's no longer the demand for it, still expensive but your car was designed to use it.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Check your local laws. In many states, the average Joe Blow cannot legally purchase or use R12.
Better safe than sorry.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,200
Likes: 3
From: Lehigh county Pennsylvania
OK, hook up your R12 recycle machine and suck out what's left in your system. Then turn on your vacuum pump and draw a vacuum. Wait a while to see if your gauge moves, 30 minutes if possible; if it does you have a leak that needs to be fixed. Look in your service manual to determine how many pounds of R12 your system takes...you're filling Freon as a liquid now, not as a gas. Weigh your Freon tank and when it shows that 2.5# or whatever your system takes, has been removed, disconnect the filling apparatus and start the A/C to see how cold it gets. Easy peasy.
Did I miss any steps guys?
Did I miss any steps guys?
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 14,112
Likes: 28
From: Florida
Wow,
It appears there is no longer any real control over this stuff anymore.
Nothing is preventing anyone from buying the stuff and using it.
They have more rules in place for buying model glue! lol
I'm sure there is no follow-up by the government either.
Gee, I want my $35 buck back! ;-)
Thanks for the info Jud!
Elm
It appears there is no longer any real control over this stuff anymore.
Nothing is preventing anyone from buying the stuff and using it.
They have more rules in place for buying model glue! lol
I'm sure there is no follow-up by the government either.
Gee, I want my $35 buck back! ;-)
Thanks for the info Jud!
Elm
The Refrigerant Sales Restriction
http://www.epa.gov/Ozone/title6/608/sales/sales.html#q2
At one time it was big business, but not so much these days. A buyer that used it would be hard pressed to show that he eventually sold it legally.
Sort of like income tax, largely a merit system.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 6,134
Likes: 46
From: Raleigh North Carolina
Hey guys, its been while since my last post, been steadily fixing things on my 75 with ALOT of help from my Dad. Its amazing how awesome it is having a father son project like this.
Do you have any suggestions of where to buy/what kind of freon to buy for a 1975 GM Vette compressor?
Do you have any suggestions of where to buy/what kind of freon to buy for a 1975 GM Vette compressor?