Dealer Installed After Market A/C R12 "Drop in" Replacements
03-19-2002, 12:13 PM
#1
Racer
Thread Starter
Dealer Installed After Market A/C R12 "Drop in" Replacements
I have the VPD after market AC system on my '74 Targa, and am looking for info / experiences with R12 "drop in' replacements or conversion to R134.
I'm not really concerned with ice cold air for comfort, only for de-humidifying in rainy weather which is really the only time my roof is on
For the R134 conversion, its my uderstanding that I'll need to change the receiver/drier and the compressor oil. How much oil is needed?
Also, some say hoses should be changed as well, but I'd prefer to not tackle that PITA job again.
I've also heard R134 is more prone to leak than R12. Can I purchase this stuff and install myself or is a licenced A/C shop required?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
I'm not really concerned with ice cold air for comfort, only for de-humidifying in rainy weather which is really the only time my roof is on
For the R134 conversion, its my uderstanding that I'll need to change the receiver/drier and the compressor oil. How much oil is needed?
Also, some say hoses should be changed as well, but I'd prefer to not tackle that PITA job again.
I've also heard R134 is more prone to leak than R12. Can I purchase this stuff and install myself or is a licenced A/C shop required?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
03-19-2002, 01:42 PM
#2
Technical Specialist
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When I investigated upgrading the a/c in my 81SC, between hardware and vapor hoses, it was about $1000. Based on that, I took it out 
Yes, you can buy R134a at Autozone, Pep Boys, etc.
Yes, you can buy R134a at Autozone, Pep Boys, etc.
03-19-2002, 01:47 PM
#3
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JLKLINE - I had the R414b(I think) drop in replacement called HotShot added to my system last summer. I didn't have any problems with it, but it didn't blow ice cubes either.
03-19-2002, 03:14 PM
#4
Racer
There are little known drop in replacements for R12 that will work as well if not better than R12 without retrofitting hoses, oil, dryers, or seals. Much of these technologies have been supressed due to DuPont's interest in monopolizing the refrigerant market or their patents. Read more at:
<a href="http://www.vettenet.org/acfaq.txt" target="_blank">http://www.vettenet.org/acfaq.txt</a>
I personally am using a 80/20 mix of propane and isobutane in one of my cars. It can make ice cubes. The thought of flammability of 14 oz of propane in your car is more of an issue in your mind than reality - the 100 lbs of gasoline in your car is much more flammable.
<a href="http://www.vettenet.org/acfaq.txt" target="_blank">http://www.vettenet.org/acfaq.txt</a>
I personally am using a 80/20 mix of propane and isobutane in one of my cars. It can make ice cubes. The thought of flammability of 14 oz of propane in your car is more of an issue in your mind than reality - the 100 lbs of gasoline in your car is much more flammable.
