| Author | Message | ||
     William H. Trovinger II Grand Master Username: bill_trovinger Post Number: 105 Registered: 8-2003 |
OK, My ’76 SS is running fine but I just read about this conversion system for DIYs in Popular Science and was wondering if anyone knew anything about it? http://www.id-usa.com/product.asp?CID=28&PID=24 Best regards, Bill | ||
| David Gore Moderator Username: david_gore Post Number: 249 Registered: 4-2003 |
Hi Bill, I would not advise a DIY R12/134 conversion for the following reasons: 1. In the land of OZ we are very sensitive to the hole in the ozone layer due to fluorocarbons such as R12 and it is illegal to vent R12 into the atmosphere and it has to be recovered for proper disposal [nevertheless a lot does escape every time an older car is involved in an accident and the a/c system ruptured]. 2. The receiver/dryer has to be replaced and the old compressor oil purged from the system as far as possible before adding the new oil- this requires access to a vacuum pump. 3. Getting the R134 charge right is critical - too much or too little will cause a dramatic loss of performance. You need a set of suction/discharge gauges and the correct settings for the system to get this right. 4. Due to the over-capacity of the R-R/B air con system; the loss of effectiveness from the conversion is negligible. The stories you hear about loss of effectiveness comes from mass produced cars where the accountants have decreed installation of the smallest capacity system to save a few cents. The changeover cost here is usually under AUD200 and the conversion is done professionally, effectively and most importantly any subsequent difficulties are fixed under the specialist's warranty. I would have no problems with a DIY recharge later on provided you have the gauges and system settings to work from. | ||
| William H. Trovinger II Grand Master Username: bill_trovinger Post Number: 108 Registered: 8-2003 |
David; Yes, I agree that R-12 has to be removed by certified specialist. But, 3 years ago my HVAC man did this to our house in about 30 minutes before new A/C was installed and breakdown on bill showed cost for this at only U$40.00. I am certain that I could get him to remove the R-12 for under that figure. As a matter of interest on the re-capture subject that is the reason that my state (Wisconsin) along with 6 other states have made these DIY kits illegal to sell. So a conversation here runs between U$ 200 and U$ 400.  In this company's instructions it did not seem that any parts needed to be replaced. If receiver/dryer has to be replaced this could put a different light on the subject. Their kit does include (what they claim) are the needed gauges.  Currently (knock on wood) my SS I has no problem with the R-12. However, sooner or later it will need work and the later it is the more likely conversion kits will not be available. Best regards, Bill | ||
| David Gore Moderator Username: david_gore Post Number: 251 Registered: 4-2003 |
Hi Bill, It is my understanding there is no need for a conversion kit as such as seals etc are not changed; only the refrigerant, compressor oil and, MOST IMPORTANTLY, the receiver/dryer. | ||
| Richard Treacy Grand Master Username: richard_treacy Post Number: 177 Registered: 4-2003 |
Re David Gore's comments, I had our T-Series converted over 10 years ago in Canberra by a specialist automotive aircon firm. David is correct: apart from the refrigerant itself, only the oil and receiver/dryer needed changing, and even back then a certified shop was required by law to dispose of the old stuff (AU$10 fee). Aircon performance never suffered, and the total cost then was even less than AU$100. This is such a routine and quick job for the specialists that a DIY conversion makes no sense. As for the volume of refrigerant required, only a pressure test will assure the optimum fill, although 1.3kg springs to mind. RT. | ||
| John Dare Unregistered guest Posted From: 144.138.194.60 |
Yes..As above, I had my S/Shadow converted approx. 10 years ago and did not notice any change in a/c performance despite some forecasts at the time, suggesting that the "new" refrigerant would not produce air "as cold" as that hitherto provided. |
