AC change to 134A
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
From: North Providence RI
Re: AC change to 134A (wirenut3)
I have to bring mine down on tuesday for a price on the conversion. I'll get back to you with what he tells me. The last time I talked about having it done he gave me a price of about $200 including parts and labor. But this could change depending on anything else it needs.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,842
Likes: 230
From: SANTA CRUZ CA
Re: AC change to 134A (wirenut3)
Click on "tools" on the menu bar, then "C4 Tech Tips"....should be several tips
Or use the "search" feature in the left column, enter "archives"....many more bits of info.
[Modified by Oldman, 3:39 PM 4/18/2003]
Or use the "search" feature in the left column, enter "archives"....many more bits of info.
[Modified by Oldman, 3:39 PM 4/18/2003]
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 17,367
Likes: 1
From: Kentucky
Re: AC change to 134A (Oldman)
I've heard that Freeze 12 refrigerant is warmer than R12, but colder than R134. It is compatible with both R12 and R134 systems and is EPA approved if you have a license. I'm going to have to charge mine real soon and this is what I'm going with.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,839
Likes: 22
From: San Diego, Ca
Re: AC change to 134A (hngacurv)
Hate to see conversions on Vettes, but each to his own. If you want a license, get it on line for 25 bucks at http://www.epa.com. With it, you can buy all the R12 you'll need (5 cans is plenty for a complete refill). I don't know if AutoZone is still having a fire sale on R12 - it was $12 to $15 a can & the last time I asked about it (November), the parts mgr told me they hadn't sold a can in 6 months, but they still had plenty. At least they realized there's little demand left for it and after 9 years, storage & disposal is starting to become a problem. As to any of the so called drop-ins, none have convinced the OEM'S, thousands of a/c shops (most of which won't touch a car once a drop-in has been used) or the EPA that their stuff is better than a correct R134 retro or the original "ozone depleting" gas in your car. For more direction, you can ask the pros running the board at http://www.ackits.com. They'll walk you through a retro or anything else you might need.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 355
Likes: 0
From: Sarasota FL
Re: AC change to 134A (wirenut3)
I recently had my 90 converted at a local independent Covette shop. They replaced the accumulator and condensor along with the flexible hoses. Cost me about $500, but figure that I'll make that up in time on the cost difference between R-12 and R-134a (factoring in that I never plan to sell the car).
I haven't been able to tell any difference in cooling capacity yet, but the hot weather here in FL is not that far away, so I should know soon.
As a side note, the local Chevy dealer where I bought the car will no longer service the A/C, because GM no longer stocks the parts for a 90, and they have recently implemented a "no aftermarket" policy on repair parts in their service shop.
Mark
Mark
I haven't been able to tell any difference in cooling capacity yet, but the hot weather here in FL is not that far away, so I should know soon.
As a side note, the local Chevy dealer where I bought the car will no longer service the A/C, because GM no longer stocks the parts for a 90, and they have recently implemented a "no aftermarket" policy on repair parts in their service shop.
Mark
Mark
Racer
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 389
Likes: 0
From: Micco FL
Re: AC change to 134A (90Z51Vette)
If everything is your system is OK and in working order here is all that you need.
1. Dryer/accumulator;
2. Orifice tube;
3. New seals for the compressor.
Would recommend flushing the system first, then just pull a vaccum, add the proper amount of oil and R134. Did the conversion myself on mine. Took about 1 hour. The A/C puts out 53 degrees at the vents.
1. Dryer/accumulator;
2. Orifice tube;
3. New seals for the compressor.
Would recommend flushing the system first, then just pull a vaccum, add the proper amount of oil and R134. Did the conversion myself on mine. Took about 1 hour. The A/C puts out 53 degrees at the vents.
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Race Director
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 13,356
Likes: 0
From: tucson AZ
St. Jude Donor '04 & '05
Re: AC change to 134A (wirenut3)
I've said it before...just leave it alone.......I have an '84 and everything is working fine....even if I had to replace everything......
Stock.....
just my thoughts.....to each his own...
tony
:flag
Stock.....
just my thoughts.....to each his own...
tony
:flag
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 7,072
Likes: 4
From: Maryland
Re: AC change to 134A (oldace84)
Old Ace - I used to live in Hunt Bch - Just off Springdale / McFadden.
Anyways, NCRS is now judging C4s. One of the things they look for is the original components. In 10 more years if it's going to be anything like the C3s those original configured AC parts will be damn near impossible to find! So those of you converting over, SAVE THE ORIGINAL PARTS! I'm in the process of restoring my original '70 AC system and boy am I glad I have the parts and the lady owner who bought the shark new didn't do squat to it! It's taking cutting open the dryer and rewelding it closed and rebuilding the guts of the compressor and (other probably nonsensical, totally not cost effective stuff), but you get the idea. :lol: Oh what we'll do to get it exactly like it left the factory. :cool: ~Juliet
Anyways, NCRS is now judging C4s. One of the things they look for is the original components. In 10 more years if it's going to be anything like the C3s those original configured AC parts will be damn near impossible to find! So those of you converting over, SAVE THE ORIGINAL PARTS! I'm in the process of restoring my original '70 AC system and boy am I glad I have the parts and the lady owner who bought the shark new didn't do squat to it! It's taking cutting open the dryer and rewelding it closed and rebuilding the guts of the compressor and (other probably nonsensical, totally not cost effective stuff), but you get the idea. :lol: Oh what we'll do to get it exactly like it left the factory. :cool: ~Juliet
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 3,504
Likes: 4
From: Mexico Beach FL
Re: AC change to 134A (PTz-92-LT1)
The A/C puts out 53 degrees at the vents.
1) TownCar with R12 -- 38 degrees
2) '92 Corvette with R12 -- 40 degrees
3) 2002 Ford Ranger with R134a -- 40 degrees
Since the Ranger with R134a, can do as well as the R12, I am gradually (as funds permit) buying the new '96 entire A/C system to convert my '92 when I need to -- since GM is known for discontinuing parts, I have already bought all the hoses, switches and controls that fit on the hoses. I think the hoses and controls will be the first to be discontinued. Next I will buy a new evaporator and condensor. A rebuilt compressor for the '92 to '96 LT1/LT4 has the same part number from Advance Auto Parts -- so, I think they are all the same, just don't use one for R134a that had R12 in it first.
When I get done, I will have a complete '96 R134a system in my '92.
I still have about 27 cans of R12 I will use up in my TownCar.
Tom Piper
[Modified by Tom Piper, 7:57 AM 4/28/2003]
