a/c conversion, or not - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

mtdave2 · 08-17-2002, 11:46 AM

my longhorns a/c took a dump finaly. now im not sure what why to go. i did a search and read a few post. still not sure what way is best.

use a compatible refridgerant ? or just convert to the less exspensive new crap that doesnt work well.

i dont want to screw with this for a long time after im done. i dont mind taking it to a shop and paying to have it done as long as its done right.

but what way to go. and beeing how this is my longhorn,im wanting to keep things as orginal as possible while still having things work.

and for you san antonio guys.. have you found a good shop? i have been asking everyone and noone seams to know anything.
this town is just that way. crazzy, people have spent their whole lives here, and dont know a dam thing about anything. never seen such crap. this is the 4 or 5th time i have asked for recomendations on where to go. they never know. ???

Michael A. K. G · 08-18-2002, 12:38 AM

There are no EPA endorsed refrigerants that are compatible with R-12, except for R-12 itself. Take that for what it's worth; the EPA doesn't appear to have considered any "second generation" refrigerants. This makes the scene perfect for a scam artist, though, so I would stick with R-12. R-134a can be made to work well, but that requires changing several expensive components; it will be cheaper just to stick with R-12 (at least for now). It will eventually be worth it to do the retrofit.

Given where you live, I would AVOID the Wal-Mart conversion. A/C is essential in Texas, and you would be risking destroying it completely in the worst case.

TERRYP · 08-18-2002, 05:03 AM

Latest CAR CRAFT mag has an article on what to do, new stuff, etc. it's an ok article

**MikeB** · 08-18-2002, 10:56 AM

Vintage Air is right there in San Antonio. The R34 system I bought from them in 1998 still blows 39 degrees out of the vents on a 95 degree day. Impossible, I've been told, but I measured it with a lab thermometer. They may be able to offer advice on replacing the bad components in your stock system. Or, I'll bet they can recommend a local shop. Their phone sales guys all seem to be A/C techies.

Longhorn Man · 08-18-2002, 11:02 AM

I think I would re-do the R-12 system for now...have them replace everything that needs replaced, and see if it'll last another 30 years. Who knows, it might. Your truck is the newest 30 year old truck i ever seen.

mtdave2 · 08-18-2002, 12:44 PM

how much is the r12 selling for a pound? i know its exspesive. i think my truck is a pound low or so. hum think i will stick with the old system. longhornmail has a point.. this system has lated 30 years, and to myknowledge, the only thing done was adding 2 pounds of freon and a new belt or 2.

when the truck was first drove home from setting for15 years, the a/c blew cold as ice. not bad!

i think my truck is upset at me chainging her water pump. i doesnt like things changed. usualy it fixes herself! strangest thing i ever saw.

TERRYP · 08-18-2002, 04:10 PM

R-12 is about $5 per ounce, if you have a license to buy it.

jeepbut · 08-18-2002, 09:13 PM

Dave, get a product called Freeze12 and top it off or convert it.It is r12 compatable and is only about $7 a can. Call me if you have any questions. Thanks, Lyman.

jeepbut · 08-20-2002, 07:34 PM

Dave, forgot to tell you where to get it. Try a mom and pop auto supply store or a farm equipment dealer. Thanks, Lyman.

08-17-2002, 11:46 AM	#1
mtdave2 newly minted old timer Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Hudson WI Posts: 3,521	a/c conversion, or not my longhorns a/c took a dump finaly. now im not sure what why to go. i did a search and read a few post. still not sure what way is best. use a compatible refridgerant ? or just convert to the less exspensive new crap that doesnt work well. i dont want to screw with this for a long time after im done. i dont mind taking it to a shop and paying to have it done as long as its done right. but what way to go. and beeing how this is my longhorn,im wanting to keep things as orginal as possible while still having things work. and for you san antonio guys.. have you found a good shop? i have been asking everyone and noone seams to know anything. this town is just that way. crazzy, people have spent their whole lives here, and dont know a dam thing about anything. never seen such crap. this is the 4 or 5th time i have asked for recomendations on where to go. they never know. ??? __________________ ____________________________________________ 72 c20 longhorn 65k org miles and counting! 69 k10 Suburban

08-18-2002, 05:03 AM	#3
TERRYP GYRO GEARLOOSE Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Nevada City, CAEverett, WA Posts: 361	Latest CAR CRAFT mag has an article on what to do, new stuff, etc. it's an ok article __________________ Nevada City, CA Everett, Washington 57 3/4 rat, 235, 3spd 66 C-10 Panel, SWB. 350 from '68, 200R4 tranny, 3.07 rear ratio, restoring 68 C10 LWB 350 4spd, 4.56 rear dump runner 82 Camaro, 305, THM-200-R4 84 Monte Carlo 305 TH350, land tuna 85 Tercel SW, snow runner DISGRACED OUTLAW MEMBER OF THE DRUM BRAKE CLUB

08-18-2002, 10:56 AM	#4
MikeB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: North Texas Posts: 3,597	Vintage Air is right there in San Antonio. The R34 system I bought from them in 1998 still blows 39 degrees out of the vents on a 95 degree day. Impossible, I've been told, but I measured it with a lab thermometer. They may be able to offer advice on replacing the bad components in your stock system. Or, I'll bet they can recommend a local shop. Their phone sales guys all seem to be A/C techies. __________________ Mike 1969 C10 LWB -- owned for 35 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, 1st Gen Vintage Air, recent AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes. 1982 C10 SWB -- sold 1981 C10 Silverado LWB -- sold, but wish I still had it! 1969 C10 (not the current one) that I bought in the early 1980s. Paid $1200; sold for $1500 a few years later. Just a hint at the appreciation that was coming. Retired as a factory automation products salesman. Worked part-time over the years for an engine builder and a classic car repair shop. Member here for 24 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then!

08-18-2002, 12:44 PM	#6
mtdave2 newly minted old timer Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Hudson WI Posts: 3,521	how much is the r12 selling for a pound? i know its exspesive. i think my truck is a pound low or so. hum think i will stick with the old system. longhornmail has a point.. this system has lated 30 years, and to myknowledge, the only thing done was adding 2 pounds of freon and a new belt or 2. when the truck was first drove home from setting for15 years, the a/c blew cold as ice. not bad! i think my truck is upset at me chainging her water pump. i doesnt like things changed. usualy it fixes herself! strangest thing i ever saw. __________________ ____________________________________________ 72 c20 longhorn 65k org miles and counting! 69 k10 Suburban

08-18-2002, 04:10 PM	#7
TERRYP GYRO GEARLOOSE Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Nevada City, CAEverett, WA Posts: 361	R-12 is about $5 per ounce, if you have a license to buy it. __________________ Nevada City, CA Everett, Washington 57 3/4 rat, 235, 3spd 66 C-10 Panel, SWB. 350 from '68, 200R4 tranny, 3.07 rear ratio, restoring 68 C10 LWB 350 4spd, 4.56 rear dump runner 82 Camaro, 305, THM-200-R4 84 Monte Carlo 305 TH350, land tuna 85 Tercel SW, snow runner DISGRACED OUTLAW MEMBER OF THE DRUM BRAKE CLUB

08-18-2002, 12:38 AM	#2
Michael A. K. G Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: California central coast Posts: 126	There are no EPA endorsed refrigerants that are compatible with R-12, except for R-12 itself. Take that for what it's worth; the EPA doesn't appear to have considered any "second generation" refrigerants. This makes the scene perfect for a scam artist, though, so I would stick with R-12. R-134a can be made to work well, but that requires changing several expensive components; it will be cheaper just to stick with R-12 (at least for now). It will eventually be worth it to do the retrofit. Given where you live, I would AVOID the Wal-Mart conversion. A/C is essential in Texas, and you would be risking destroying it completely in the worst case.

08-18-2002, 11:02 AM	#5
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	I think I would re-do the R-12 system for now...have them replace everything that needs replaced, and see if it'll last another 30 years. Who knows, it might. Your truck is the newest 30 year old truck i ever seen.

08-18-2002, 09:13 PM	#8
jeepbut Registered User Join Date: May 2001 Location: Corpus Christi, Tx. U.S.A. Posts: 271	Dave, get a product called Freeze12 and top it off or convert it.It is r12 compatable and is only about $7 a can. Call me if you have any questions. Thanks, Lyman.

08-20-2002, 07:34 PM	#9
jeepbut Registered User Join Date: May 2001 Location: Corpus Christi, Tx. U.S.A. Posts: 271	Dave, forgot to tell you where to get it. Try a mom and pop auto supply store or a farm equipment dealer. Thanks, Lyman.



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