Hi guys. Got my 1982 CE Corvette a few weeks back (and running the other day). The
freon is completely gone, and I want to know if anyone out there has done the conversion to the new stuff...and what it cost to do. Thanks!

 

nice! pics of your new ride?

well assuming we have no clue what is wrong with system.or what was is in there. i may be inclined to first check for leaks (use clean compressed air) and the orifice screen for metal..even run ac clutch bypass for a couple seconds to see if it sounds normal..
conversion at minimum IMO
- new accumulator
- flush system (not compressor if good)..
- all new o rings
- new slightly smaller orifice for 134
- use gauges and correct oil charge and fill to about 80% of R12 load
optional
- new condenser
- sanden compressor upgrade ?
- new rubber hoses

 

 

^ this is about it.

I converted mine to a Sanden 709 rear port compressor using an Alan Grove bracket. But that’s not necessary.

You can get a set of gauges and vacuum pump for about the cost of a service anymore.

 

It’s probably worth your time to pull the evap housing apart and clean it out. No sense pouring a bunch of time & money into the original system only to have the already weak airflow hampered by an evap clogged with leaves, dirt, bugs, and who knows what else.
I was where you are, didn’t know the condition of any system components, and, figuring I’d be headed down a rabbit hole, just decided to go with a known entity and convert to Vintage Air. $2k in parts and a couple weekends of my time, and I have solid cold A/C on a 52 year old car.
Oh, and my original evap was indeed clogged with crap.

 

I've done conversions on several vehicles and in different manners:
1989 Nissan Pickup-- cleaned and flushed, replaced O-rings, replaced control valve, Did it pretty much by the book, did not replace hoses per reports they will work fine....and they have....for years and years.
~1995 Toyota Land Cruiser. Friends just wanted to swap over to R-134a since it was essentially empty (but still sealed). Bought adapter fittings and R-134a, evacuated, and charged. Dammm!! It worked as well my Nissan. I was surprised.
1990 Ford Bronco: Replaced Orifice valve, flushed, did O-rings. Worked quite well..... not as well as the Nissan Pickup or the Toy Land Cruiser but adequately cooling to the low 40s.
1968 Corvette. I installed aftermarket a/c from Hot Rod Air. Worked just fine. About 10 years later I replaced the Condenser to squeeze in the biggest one I could in front of the radiator. It already cooled to below 40°, and still does..... just seemed to get there quicker. Can't hurt and the Condenser was relatively cheap so I was glad I did it. While I had it empty I also installed a Trinary Switch to all my elec fan not to have run when at speed.

SO- depending on how you much effort you want to put in you can try just doing a fittings swap, evacuate, and recharge (hopefully it has not been open corroded?) and see how it performs. You can then make a decision on repairing yours or getting Vintage A/C which has a pretty good reputation on this forum.

 

I will be going down this road myself over the winter. My old friend kept his R-12 system and used a can tap to fill it with keyboard cleaner. He swore by it.