Classic Mustang - Convert R12 to R134?

Hi - What's involved with converting these systems ('72) to R134 - or should I just have the system leak tested, fix, if needed, and recharged with R12?

Is R12 still obtainable?

If I do convert - what's required? I know the system should be evacuated of the R12. I have also heard that seals and a dryer?? should be replaced?

I know there are conversion kits available at the parts store, but is this enough?

Any info would be helpful.

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Re: Convert R12 to R134? I would have it converted I deal with ac systems in the collision industry, r12 is very expensive and that's if you can find a shop who supplies it, r134 will require a couple fitting adaptors it will save yeah money and also help the atmosphere.	mustangghia75@... mustangghia75
Re: Convert R12 to R134? I had an '86 GT recharged with R12 around 2001 and the cost was over $200 then..... ...it only lasted a year ... so I bought a new 2002 GT ... (which detonated it's AC compressor within 12 months ;-) Coincidence? Karma?) My 1997 Explorer with 134 has not needed recharging (yet)..... luck I guess, but then again the heater core sprang a leak 4 years ago.... good thing I'm in CA and we don't need heaters in Santa Clara Valley!	Walt Boeninger walt@...
Re: Convert R12 to R134? I found this recently that I'll be converting all of my old R12 units to: http://www.batteriesareus.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=221 Red Tek R134a / R12 Replacement RedTek Refrigerant Red Tek R134a / R12 Replacement $10.99 Product Description RED TEK? 12a, a HC-based refrigerant from Thermofluid Technologies, is a blend of environmentally safe hydrocarbon fluids designed as a direct replacement and retrofit refrigerant option for replacing R134a and R12 refrigerants in automotive air conditioning and refrigeration systems. 12a operates at lower head pressures and offers improved cooling properties and performance verses R134a and R12. BENEFITS Operation: RED TEK? 12a possesses similar volumetric refrigerating effects to R12 or R134a refrigerants. Operates at lower head pressures and offers improved cooling properties, performance and energy efficiency verses R12 or R134a. Can be used effectively in R12 or R134a refrigeration systems without major "retrofitting." ----- For vehicles using R12 currently- You will need: 1) a side can tap for your r134 gauge set or 2) a gauge set that does both r12 & R134 or 3) conversion kit (2 adapters) to convert your car to use R134 gauge fittings. ----- Lower Cost: Less expensive than R12 refrigerant and R134a "retrofits". Energy savings up to 30%. Compatibility: Compatible with most common refrigeration materials and lubricants including R134a, R12, metal components, mineral and synthetic(Ester and PAG) lubricants, seals, gaskets, hoses, compressors, and o-rings. Excellent vent temperatures! Environment: 100% natural organic refrigerant, non-ozone depleting, non-global warming. 12a is in full compliance with the UN Montreal Protocol. Safety: Does not become caustic when contaminated with moisture or oxygen. Non-toxic, non-carcinogen, autoignition temperature above 1385F. No long term health risks have been attributed to RED TEK? 12a refrigerant. Complete details and charging instructions can be found at: www.redtek.ca/ Caselot orders ONLY - 12/case 5oz can replaces/equal to 13.3oz R134a ---- or 15oz R12 refrigerant Great Price is less than R12 & R134a! Also available in "30"# cylinders! (equal to 30# R12) Call 402 224 4444 for pricing! No Liciense required No retro fitting Think Cool - Think RedTek Approved an used by certified technicians with great success! r134 thread on cans Caselot orders ONLY - 12/case Can threads are R134a - you will need an R12 side can tap kit (available here) or install R12 to R134a adapters on the Vehicle! ----------------------------------------------- Q. What is RED TEK? 12a?? A. RED TEK? 12a? is a proprietary blended ultra high efficient hydrocarbon refrigerant designed as a direct replacement for 134a and R-12 substitutes. Q. Does RED TEK? 12a? require retrofitting? A. No! RED TEK? 12a? is designed as a direct drop in replacement for R-134a and R-12 substitutes. RED TEK? 12a requires no major redesigning of the refrigeration system because it is compatible with existing oils, seals, O-rings, and hoses. Q. Is RED TEK? 12a? environmentally safe? [top] A. Absolutely! RED TEK? 12a? refrigerants are organic, non-ozone depleting, non-toxic compounds. These refrigerants are endorsed by the GreenPeace organization and are in full compliance with the UN Montreal Protocol. Q. Does RED TEK? 12a? need EPA approval? [top] A. RED TEK? 12a? is a second generation, non-ozone depleting replacement for R-134a and all other non-ozone depleting R-12 substitutes. The EPA's Final Rule, issued April 1, 1994, states: "In this final rule, the Agency has determined that second generation replacements, if they are non-ozone depleting and are replacing non-ozone depleting first generation alternatives, are exempt from reporting requirements under Section 612". Q. Are RED TEK? refrigerants energy efficient compared to other refrigerants on the market today? [top] A. Yes! RED TEK? Refrigerants are up to 40% more efficient than Hydrofluorocarbon Refrigerants. Q. Are RED TEK? Refrigerants corrosive to air conditioning systems? [top] A. No. RED TEK? Refrigerants are non-corrosive, non-caustic, and do not form acids in combination with system moisture. Q. Can I lower "head pressures" in my A/C system by using RED TEK? Refrigerants? [top] A. Yes! RED TEK? Refrigerants can extend equipment and component life by lowering compressor "head pressures" up to 33%. You can install with our R134a recharge and measuring kit: http://www.batteriesareus.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=224 ----- Export sales (out of lower 48 US states) shipping does NOT apply - and average USPS parcel post freight is $35.00 and is 2-4 weeks delivery) They've been using this in Europe for years and years. We're behind the times! Traci Long Aggressive Mustangs	traci long satin208
Re: Convert R12 to R134? My experience, I have 2 fairly tired R12 compressors that are currently cooling off Jeep Cherokee's (well ones a Comanche but close enough) that still work. They just need a recharge every summer due to muliple small slow leaks. Both of them this summer have started making a steady clicking noise (maybe the clutch wearing out, maybe the compressors wearing out don't know) that they didn't make the first two summers after converting. They both cool okay. Using a "conversion kit" did the trick on one... just pumping R134 into the other ... well it worked... :) lets just say after several violent foamy expulsions of the R12 oil mixed with the R134 oil the system settled down and works to this day... I'm not proud so save the Greenpeace lectures I was under the mistaken impression I was using a "converter" kit with the safe conversion oil, only to notice later that the kit was misleadingly labeled to appear to be a conversion kit when it was not.	Simon alhazsj