A/C - rebuild or replace?

[DylanVK]

My '67 is an original AC cab truck and the controls are all in excellent shape/working order.

Currently if flipped on it blows slightly cool air, but the compressor has some squeaks and other obvious issues. Should also mention its R12... havent even looked into how I go about dealing with that yet.

Looking for opinions if its worth rebuilding the setup thats on the truck now or just gutting it and replacing.

To be perfectly honest I enjoy driving this thing with the windows down too much to run the A/C very often anyways, so this would be more for my own piece of mind knowing everything works perfect if I should ever decide to part with it.

[motorcritter]

There's obviously a leak somewhere. Time takes it's toll on A/C systems, and at least all the hardware is still there, although degraded a bit. Upgrading it is relatively easy, as the parts you replace/upgrade will increase efficiency. Conversion to R134a is pretty simple. Pick up a manual or go online to research mobile A/C conversions, troubleshooting and repair. A vacuum pump and a set of gauges are pretty much necessary, at the least, and not too expensive. 'Ice cold air' is really nice to have, and not that hard to attain.

[joey8383]

Fix it. Buy a new compressor if needed. I would personally try to leave it R-12 or use Hot Shot refrigerant. If you convert it to 134a, you just need to dump the oil out of the compressor, measure it, and refill with PAG oil. Then vacuum and recharge with 134a. The problem is the R-12 condenser is a little small for 134a so it would run high head pressure if you use the R12 condenser.

[burnin oil]

At the price of R12 you might as well get an aftermarket AC system that is alot more efficient.

[trkfrk]

If it was my truck I would replace the compressor with a reman, flush the system, change the dryer, and charge it with 134. I have done dozens of retrofits with no problems. Flushing the system is key.

[WhiteWhale]

what else would have to be done to the rear overhead a/c to be converted?

[Lee H]

In your situation I would take it to a good local shop and have it repaired. I would not use a reman compressor unless the shop warranted it for a reasonable amount of time. A 134 conversion will cool that cab off just fine. Now if you lived in the SW where AC is run most of the year I would say replace with After market.