R12 to 134a conversion

[NCD1966]

I know I've searched the threads about the conversion.

I just want opinions on how good does the conversion cool down?

My 1984 c10 is pretty much bone stock expect for the GM goodwrench 350 I installed to replaced the tired and under powered 305.

I live in south Louisiana and want this truck to have ice cold ac like it use to be.

also any advice on important parts to change.

the more I look into it seems like ill be changing about everything.

[Jeepwm69]

I have not yet done my 83 GMC. It has the R4 compressor with a leak that it's had since the truck was a couple of years old.

I have done the conversion on my 85 Jeep CJ7, and it was as simple as changing the fittings on the compressor (Jeeps back then used Sanden compressors) and changing the dryer. The Jeeps of that era used flanged fittings on the hoses, so no orings. It was recommended that I install barrier hose, but I did not do that and it cooled well for several years before I had a leak in a hard line leading to the condenser.

I believe on these squares they recommend you change the orifice tube and the condenser as the newer style condensers do a better job of dissipating heat.

I'm curious to see what others have to say.

What compressor do you have now?

[SunSoaked]

I converted my 85. I live in Yuma Az where it is typically 115 during the summer. I hear ya. You have 3 options, in order of cost & complexity:
1. Change the oriface tube and refrigerant to 134a. Results are so-so at best.
2. Replace compressor with a Sanden, all hoses, 134a and a new efficient condenser.
3. Yank the whole mess out and install a Vintage Air Sure Fit System. This is what I did. Works great, Modern Technology, Ice cold air, reliable. It's what I eventually did cause I have learned in life one gets what they pay for. Buy once-cry once they say.

[Just call me Sean]

I did the conversion on my 93, fittings, orifice tube and refrigerant. It consistently blew around 50 degrees at the vents in the Florida summer.

[NCD1966]

I went bring my truck to a buddies shop. They will do the conversion changing the hoses (which one was in ruff shape, probably were the leak was from), orifice tube & dryer.
Im looking into a condenser. I was reading last night that a parallel condenser maybe the trick for running cooler with the conversion.

Probably by the end of it all looks like i might change out the compressor too since its all from 1984. My grandfather may have had some parts changed out at one time but I cannot tell. I looks all original.

Thanks for all the inputs it gave me some information for sure.
Since this truck is a once a week driver any cool air will be a plus for cruise nights.

[Jeepwm69]

Looks like going from a newer style to a Sanden is pretty easy.

But what's the "go to" for replacing the R4?

The one on my 83 was leaking before the truck was out of warranty. We recharged the system a few times back in the 80's, then just gave up on it.

[wbort27]

CHANGED mine on 75 orfice and refrig. 8yrs ago still blowing cold orig.owner

[NCD1966]

well got the truck back. Had to replaced the fuel pump to get the AC job finished. It stated spraying or leaking gas onto the headers. Not good!

Blows really cold I was impressed. Also the blower motor was always lacking in the amount of air came out on high.
And I think I found the issue. I have cold air coming out of the heat ports near the floor while the truck is on A/C. The quick if for this is. If you open the glove box on the left side there is a screw for a cover that you can see under the glove box and 2 more screws are hold that cover.
That cover give you access to a door that opens and closes for heat and A/C. I believe that gets stuck or the vacuum parts fail over time.
So you can open the door up manual and you may have to put something in there to keep it open so all the cool air gets directed to the AC vents.
Also you can check for leaks in the A/C routing.

I hope that helps out that are having the same problem.