1984 air conditioning
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: Saginaw MI
1984 air conditioning
My vette's air is beginning to not cool off very well and I know it has the original R12 system. I am thinking about converting everything over to the R134 freon but am curious if I should just keep it R12 so it retains the original components. Also, if I do convert it, what am I going to need to do it? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Scott
Scott
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
From: GERMANTOWN TN
You will need to get an R-12 to R-134a conversion kit from your local auto parts store. This includes new PAG compressor oil, adapters for the fittings, and some kits even include new o-rings. You will also need to get a new accumulator ($50-$60) and the little filter/screen that is in your high-side line. Then just flush the a/c system out with an a/c flush from the parts store. Last, but not least you will need to get a couple of cans of R-134a refrigerent and a gauge set. It can be done with a low side gauge only, but i recommend using a low/high gauge set. The R-12 will need to be disposed of professionally, so I would get the system emptied at an a/c shop before I started. 
Hope this helps,
Blake
Hope this helps,
Blake
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Responding a little late but anyone else still reading this. WEEKEND MECHANIC' on DIY did a conversion from R12 to R134. Did it on a weekend and difficulty range of 2. Seemed simple but depends on your skill level I guess. I'm sticking w/R12 for now.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 17,551
Likes: 26
From: El Paso Texas
Originally Posted by chevyc4
You will need to get an R-12 to R-134a conversion kit from your local auto parts store. This includes new PAG compressor oil, adapters for the fittings, and some kits even include new o-rings. You will also need to get a new accumulator ($50-$60) and the little filter/screen that is in your high-side line. Then just flush the a/c system out with an a/c flush from the parts store. Last, but not least you will need to get a couple of cans of R-134a refrigerent and a gauge set. It can be done with a low side gauge only, but i recommend using a low/high gauge set. The R-12 will need to be disposed of professionally, so I would get the system emptied at an a/c shop before I started.
Hope this helps,
Blake
Hope this helps,
Blake
Excellent write up Blake. I did mine exactly per your instructions back in 2000....5 years later, I still have 42 degrees at the dash in 100 degree ambient temps.
I realize this is a few months behind, but this question gets asked a lot.
I also replaced my compressor at the time since it was noisy. Me and a friend did the whole thing in about 3-4 hours.
