how to get my a/c working GOOD?

[82 Silverado 4X]

When I bought my truck last spring the compressor was locked up, the belt was off, the accumulator had a bad valve and the condenser had a large hole through it. It would have cost well over $300.00 to have the R-12 system restored to it's original condition so this is exactly what I did:

The compressor is off an 87 Caprice that a freind was going to junk. "Free"
(I used my 82 mounts)

The condenser came off an 84 S-10 another freind had laying in his shed. "Free"
(I fabricated brackets because it's smaller)


My accumulator came off an 86 Suburban at a bone yard. "$5.00". (Perfect fit as is)

The remainder of the A/C components were the ones that were installed on the truck when it was built in 1982. I didn't change or modify anything else.

Bought a good R-134 fill hose with brass fittings because the plastic junk fill hose that comes in the complete conversion kits are worthless and usually break and leak on your first can. $10.00 Advance Auto

Package of Individual R-134 Adapters. $10.00 Advance Auto

1 can of Oil Charge with Conditoner $4.00 Advance Auto

3 Cans Advance Auto R-134 refrigerant $20.00

Having operational and Ice Cold A/C that has worked flawlessly for over an entire year..................

...........................................PRICELESS..........................................


I've done quite a few of these conversions over the years and have never gone through all the hassles of replacing the O-Rings or rebuilding the compressors to accept the R-134. Most people just want it cold "NOW" and they seldom want to spend a fortune or take the time to have it done right.
For the low cost of R-134 Refrigerant I wouldn't mind if I needed to add a can each year to top off the system of a 20 year old truck but so far I haven't had to add any.