1984 a/c conversion
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: scotch plains nj
1984 a/c conversion
Greetings fellow Vette owners!
I'd like to do the R12 to 134A conversion. I've heard mixed views on this subject. Some say a simple retro fit, my mechanic advised a condenser change do to the difference in the size of the R12 vs. 134A molecule not being able to change state which he said would reduce the ability to cool properly. I'd would greatly appreciate any advice.
Thanks, RFM
I'd like to do the R12 to 134A conversion. I've heard mixed views on this subject. Some say a simple retro fit, my mechanic advised a condenser change do to the difference in the size of the R12 vs. 134A molecule not being able to change state which he said would reduce the ability to cool properly. I'd would greatly appreciate any advice.
Thanks, RFM
Safety Car
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 3,651
Likes: 5
From: Atlantis
Cruise-In I Veteran
Re: 1984 a/c conversion (rfmenta)
The difference won't make a bit of difference in your AC system.
It would be a good idea to change the dryer since it can be difficult to extract all of the oil that is inside the dryer when the system is vacumned down.
A good 24 hour vacumn will prepare the system to receive R134 but it still is good to replace the dryer with a new one before evacuation.
There is a small difference in the temp/pressures from R12 to R134 but it will still cool well.
Besides 134 is affordable and R12 is like buying gold.
If your system has R12 in it and is still working, DON'T MESS WITH IT.
Wait until a major repair is necessary and then switch it over.
Good luck with it.
It would be a good idea to change the dryer since it can be difficult to extract all of the oil that is inside the dryer when the system is vacumned down.
A good 24 hour vacumn will prepare the system to receive R134 but it still is good to replace the dryer with a new one before evacuation.
There is a small difference in the temp/pressures from R12 to R134 but it will still cool well.
Besides 134 is affordable and R12 is like buying gold.
If your system has R12 in it and is still working, DON'T MESS WITH IT.
Wait until a major repair is necessary and then switch it over.
Good luck with it.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: scotch plains nj
Re: 1984 a/c conversion (VetNutJim)
Thanks for the advice
I've only had the car for two years, but got all the maintainence records from the owner. It's always had a freon loss problem. Charged it last season and added dye but couldn't find a leak anywhere.
Before doing the conversion gonna look at the last likely area in the evap. housing. Again, thanks for the help, will let you know how it turns out.
I've only had the car for two years, but got all the maintainence records from the owner. It's always had a freon loss problem. Charged it last season and added dye but couldn't find a leak anywhere.
Before doing the conversion gonna look at the last likely area in the evap. housing. Again, thanks for the help, will let you know how it turns out.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 13,356
Likes: 0
From: tucson AZ
St. Jude Donor '04 & '05
Re: 1984 a/c conversion (rfmenta)
I agree to leave the system stock.....this is what I did on my '84.....just replaced everything....works great.....
tony
just my thoughts...
:flag
tony
just my thoughts...
:flag
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 14,064
Likes: 1,166
From: N. Alabama
Re: 1984 a/c conversion (rfmenta)
I successfully converted an '81 mercedes two years ago. I took the vehicle to a service outlet and had the system evacuated. I then drove it back home, disassembled the hoses (I had to remove the engine for other work), cleaned out and flushed the system and replaced most o-rings with a $69 kit from auto zone, installed new dryer, put a rebuilt compressor (GM long type), assembled and took back to A/C fellow for vacuum down and charging. The system is still ice cold to this day with no leaks so far. You must drain what oil you can from the compressor and put same amount (6 ozs?) of correct (ester?) oil back in to use with 134a. :)
