i had a a/c line blow on me about 2 weeks ago, so got on this forum and it was suggested that i now convert from R12 to 134a and go with a parallel condenser (which i feel is probably good advice). i called the company that sells the condenser (in phoenix) and being i will have to drive 2 hrs. i wanted to set up an appointment and just have them fix it up (fix line, flush out system, install condenser, add 134a). the gentleman i talked to said that i needed to rip everything out and stat over, new condenser, compressor, lines, everything. so i asked him what would it cost to stay with R12 he figured 4 cans for them to do it was about $250.00 not including fixing the broken line. i am going to check out "vintage air" to see what they have. this all seems a bit crazy to me. thanks!

HORSE PUCKEY.

You don't need a new compressor.
You don't need a new evaporator.
You don't need anything new under the dash.
You do need new lines (you already needed those).
You do need a new condenser (parallel-flow style).

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

SlantSixDan: thanks, for your help! what ever happened to "making an honest living"? i guess i'm going to have to wear out a pair of shoes looking for an honest man, to do an honest job, for a honest wage....so be it! i was reading on a forum for old Studebakers how a guy bought a car off an elderly gentlemans daughter and he had a stack of receipts where her father was "robbed" about everywhere he went to have work done. he went on to say that the work done was at best "shabby". he also wondered if the daughter even respected the money her father had invested in the car for her, or if she just wanted a nice "new car"? by the way Dan, i've missed hearing from you, you always seem to give sound advice. sorry, about the vent... thanks, again.

I can't figure out why the guy said you needed everything replaced. Is it possible you and he misunderstood each other? The place I referred you to does have a solid reputation...

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

Just spoke with ackits.com manager, Jack. Relayed your concern. He said "We've done plenty of older Mopar systems with the V2 compressor and put them to 134a. If that's what the customer wants us to do, we're happy to do it." He also said all the right things (without my prompting) about removing the EPR valve and installing a preset thermostat, etc.

It really does sound like a misunderstanding to me. He said if you care to call again, ask for him, Jack, and tell him you're deciding between staying with R12 or going to 134a.

In either case, whichever refrigerant you pick, here's what I recommend gets done:

-New hoses. Have them all redone with barrier hose material at once, so you don't go a month and blow another old hose.

-Parallel-flow condenser. Even with R12, these work better and reduce the compressor's load on the engine.

-New filter-dryer. This gets replaced every time you open the system.

-Remove EPR/STV from compressor, install fixed-cutout thermostat.

Assuming your compressor's in good shape, whether you choose R12 or R134a to fill up with, the above will give you a good-performing, efficient system that will last a long time.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

well, i told him that the way i understood it was that the system would use LESS pressure and that it should if anything be easier on the compressor. i think what he referred to it as "starting" pressure would be even higher, than my R12 system and so it wouldn't be long before it would go out. so i might as well do it now. i know R12 is being sold as if it's "gold" and everyone says to find someone who will do the job on the "side" or find a friend who can help. thanks!

SlantSixDan, i just read your last reply. i will have to call them on Monday (they are closed Saturday and Sunday) because i got to get going now. i really appreciate you going as far as to call them! i do want to do this right even if it means driving out of town. thanks, for your help! talk to you soon, gotta go....

I was told that the seals and bearings in the compressor should be changed before putting the 134 in an R12 system?

Dan

Bearings, no.

Shaft seal, yes, put in a new shaft seal. This is very easy and inexpensive, and the new seals are proof against whatever refrigerant you might use. Thanks for reminding me to recommend that.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.