A/C ? for judge

[Joe R.]

If a car that origianally came with R12 refrigerant is converted to 134-A, how many points are docked?

Thanks

[Larry M.]

Re: A/C ? for judge

Joe:

The answer depends on what is done during the conversion and what is changed from original. If I recall correctly, the only obvious change will be different hi psi and low psi fittings specific for 134a refrigerant and possibly a decal indicating the new refrigerant. This would be a minor originality deduction. Maybe 2 or 3 points.

If however, you also changed the hoses, POA valve, and receiver/drier and installed later, replacement-type components, then the originality deduction will be greater. You need to be more specific regarding what you (or others) plan to change as part of the conversion.

If you do the conversion yourself, do not change out the refrigerant fittings and hoses, and rebuild your original POA and receiver/drier, then I am not sure a judge could detect any change from original. Therefore no originality deduction.

My personal recommendation to you is to try and stay with R-12. I think that you will like it better in the long run. I have a 1967 factory air car myself, and continue to use R-12 for best performance. R-12 is still available (although cost is high) and if you maintain a tight system a charge will last many years.

Larry

[Michael G.]

Re: A/C ? for judge

Hey Joe,
I am also interestsd in the AC issue and after following all AC related posts for some time now, the popular opinion seems to be that unless you are in need of replacement of one or more of the main components, you should stay R-12. Yes, it is now rather expensive so what we need to find out is what would be a good preparation proceedure. Aside from tracking down any leaky connections, what would be the wise replacement checklist. I have read that I would have to provide my hoses for their ends when having new ones made up. Does anyone have any recommendations on a good hose replacement supplier? Any information from members involving unexpected weak points in the system could be helpful. All will be appreciated. Thanks, Mike

[Don H.]

Re: A/C ? for judge

I currently have a 65 that I put together with 134. It worked and the way I did it (correct fittings, hoses, etc) would have passed judging. The only detection would have been during a strict Ops check or PV. The sight glass on the dryer is cloudy w/ 134 and is clear w/ R-12. I changed back to R-12 and now can reach 38 degrees which is about 6-8 degrees lower than 134. There are a couple of big companies to help. I used Classic Auto Air in Tampa and was very satisfied. Don H.