Well after this radio thing is done I am going to start saving for the AC. Anyone know of the cost to have my R-12 changed to R-134a? Where is a godd place to do this. I think my compressor needs new clutches as well. What would be the cost of the AC converted and serviced? I need the AC

 

1 Millllllion Dollars................................ That's all Dr Evil charged me.

Cost depends on what you need. Mininally, you need AC flush (to clear out the old oil), 134A adapter fittings, 3-4 cans refrigerant, Refrigerant oil, and 1 Reciever/dryer. If you did it yourself, you would also need a manifold guage set, and some kind of vaccuum pump.

I did all of the above plus, new compressor, new barrier hoses, new schrader valves (one is special larger size), and orifice tube.

All that and $800 later and I have 37* air coming out my vents


GP

 

Wow $800 huh. Looks like I am going to need to start really saving. Know of any good places that will do this?

 

Well, remember, I bought a new GM AC compressor for mine. You can get rebuilt models for a lot less. Plus I bought a vacuum pump and the manifold gauges too so you can knock at least $300 off that price, more if you don't need a compressor.

No idea what shops will do it, but I'm sure most AC places will be fine.

GP

 

I'm not sure about the compressor it makes noises. So anyone know of a good local AC shop?

 

You can talk to Russ, he usually posts here. He works for Carrier. He figured out the ac in my Olds. I bought the compressor, accumilator and orfice tube. It blows nice and cold.

 

I've been off line for a while. I have a vacuum pump and guages.
Most of the $800.00 that was mentioned in a previous post probably went for the compressor. I can help you guys out, but I'm pretty busy right now. I'm off on Mondays, busy this monday, but I will probably be available on future Mondays. I can sometimes get away in the early afternoon/evening on Saturdays as well. Since I work on Saturdays, getting off in time to do an a/c job is more "iffy." For those who find it inconvenient for any reason to get together with me, It isn't that difficult to replace compressor/clutch assys. If you change out your compressor, orofice, and accumulator tank, it is not that expensive to take the car to an a/c shop to have it evacuated and charged. If you buy a compressor from G.M. it will come with instructions for adding oil.
If you use a new compressor, add "POE" oil not "PAG." The poe will mix with small amounts of mineral oil and work fine with 134a.
The pag oil that the car companies put in new cars will not tolerate mixing with any mineral oil at all. If you use pag, you will have to flush out the entire system. I also would not reccomend a rebuilt compressor. The new ones are more expensive, but the rebuilders don't put desicant in the box, so if there is any moisture in the air, and the remanned compressor sits on the shelf any time at all, you have a good chance of getting one that is rusty inside. The life expectancy of rusty compressor is measured in days, sometimes, hours or even minutes!

 

I just got 2 conversion kits at kragen I think I spent $60 since the first kit didn't have the right fitting for my car. My system just looked like it was out of refridgerant. It's blows cold enough that I have to shut it off after about 5-10 min because it's too cold for me. I'm sure R12 would work better but the conversion works for me.

R

 

Russ, I am not sure if my compressor is out. It makes noise at start up but after the car is warm it doesn't make any noise. I have no freon whats so ever in the car that I do know and when I switch the switch to AC air does come through the vents. How much would you charge for a conversion? I am not looking to do this right away but sometime n the near future. Thanks

 

Buy the parts, come over to my house and we'll set it up in a couple hours. Lets do it while Napa is open (Saturday) so if you need any minor part, they'll be there.

$50 if you have all the parts?

Russ is right, if you need a compressor, you should get a new one. This is the major parts of what I bought:

Team Chevrolet:
1134354 Compressor $254.47
2724700 Accumulator $50.24
3033879 Orifice Tube $4.93

Napa:
AC flush, retrofit kit kit, 3 cans 134A, (not PAG oil the other one), high side shrader valve, green orings ~$100

www.carparts.com:
barrier hoses $88 plus shipping. If you don't get these you will need new seals for yours. Probably.

And maybe a couple other minor details. pus tools.


GP

 

Thanks GP that is cool. I am not planning to do it right away because of lack of funds but it is next on my to do list. I will start getting the parts after this radio is done. Thanks Russ for the info.

 

I got a '94 Firebird radio for $20 on ebay needed a little clearancing but it plugs in and is a bit better that the stocker in my '92 bird. What are you planning for a radio?

R

 

Thanks WS6 but I already bought one from Jason I just need to pick it up. I got a Pioneer DEH-P7400MP. Thanks for the offer though.