Where to get R12 refilled?

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Parahdox

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I live in mn and have a 91 with an R12 AC system, its been hot here and want to get it refilled properly. Where would you go? Also how much is a R134a Swap?
 

D_EATON

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Not sure on cost, you would more then likely take it to a shop unless you have the tools. You would need to recover the r12 from the system and replaced the drier and orifice tube. Also any o rings that are in bad shape, flush the system out then pull vacuum on system and charge it.
 

Parahdox

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Not sure on cost, you would more then likely take it to a shop unless you have the tools. You would need to recover the r12 from the system and replaced the drier and orifice tube. Also any o rings that are in bad shape, flush the system out then pull vacuum on system and charge it.
Thanks! I have the manifold gauges and a pump to do that!
 
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I have converted several classic cars from r-12 to R-134a. I recommend staying with R-12. You can take an open book test for an R-12 license and I usually pay around $10 per pound of R-12.

If you do convert to R-134a then the single biggest factor to a successful conversion is the condenser. I always mount the biggest parallel flow condenser that will fit. You can buy a hose crimper tool for around $100 and then sell it when you are done). You don't have to change the hoses, but R-134a will leak through the old-style hoses. I usually budget $100 for barrier hose and fittings. I always replace the compressor with a new Sanden unit but you're in a better position to decide if yours is going to be good enough. Expansion valves (or orifice tubes) are cheap and you might as well replace it - you are going to have to take it off to flush the evap anyway.

The process to convert is well-documented but you have to flush the entire system of the old oil, add the correct amount of the correct oil, vacuum it down, then refill according to the pressure chart.
 

magimerlin

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I have converted several classic cars from r-12 to R-134a. I recommend staying with R-12. You can take an open book test for an R-12 license and I usually pay around $10 per pound of R-12.

If you do convert to R-134a then the single biggest factor to a successful conversion is the condenser. I always mount the biggest parallel flow condenser that will fit. You can buy a hose crimper tool for around $100 and then sell it when you are done). You don't have to change the hoses, but R-134a will leak through the old-style hoses. I usually budget $100 for barrier hose and fittings. I always replace the compressor with a new Sanden unit but you're in a better position to decide if yours is going to be good enough. Expansion valves (or orifice tubes) are cheap and you might as well replace it - you are going to have to take it off to flush the evap anyway.

The process to convert is well-documented but you have to flush the entire system of the old oil, add the correct amount of the correct oil, vacuum it down, then refill according to the pressure chart.
Where ever you are finding straight R-12 at 10 bucks a pound is loosing money big time... R-12 goes for about 30 a pound and about $1000 for a a 30 pound unit... you can get "freeze 12" for about 10 bucks a pound but that's no where close to being real "R-12" ....

But if you are getting real R-12 for 10 a pound. Buy it all and resell it.....lol...

And I've had my 609 licence for 10 years now... pretty easy test really.. let's me buy the 30 lb bottles of anything.... automotive that is...lol..

sent from what use to be a great country...
 

Parahdox

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Where ever you are finding straight R-12 at 10 bucks a pound is loosing money big time... R-12 goes for about 30 a pound and about $1000 for a a 30 pound unit... you can get "freeze 12" for about 10 bucks a pound but that's no where close to being real "R-12" ....

But if you are getting real R-12 for 10 a pound. Buy it all and resell it.....lol...

And I've had my 609 licence for 10 years now... pretty easy test really.. let's me buy the 30 lb bottles of anything.... automotive that is...lol..

sent from what use to be a great country...
Whats this "freeze 12" that youre talking about? Alternative to R-12? If so how does it perform compared to r-12 and r-134?
 

magimerlin

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It's "kinda" compatible with R-12... when 12 was getting harder and harder to find alot of freeze 12 was bought by many to add to their 12 system... Google automotive freeze 12 and read up to your hearts content... to much to actually type up...lol..

sent from what use to be a great country...
 
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