Question: How are the 134a Conversion kits carried by Auto Zone or other auto parts store?

[GerryLP]

If I am going to be driving Gail everywhere around the State, then I am going to need to upgrade the A-C, for it cools, but definitely it is ineffective for a good 1/2 hour if the Vette is sitting under the sun with the windows up (average Summer temps of 95 - 105 Deg F.).

If you could explain how relatively easy or hard it was to install the conversion kit, then the better. Also, how happy/satisfied are you with it?

Thanks!

GerryLP:cool

 

[GerryLP]

So no one has upgraded their A-C system with Autozone kit?

GerryLP:cool

 

[Koop]

Don't do it, the R 12 is better. I did it, it works okay but I wish I had never messed with it. It's not as cold, you have to run a pusher fan at all times when the AC is on or you make to much head pressure and blow the front seal out of your compressor. I don't like it one bit.

I have a '69, so I use the giant old compressor, if your car has the newer design compressor I don't know anything about those.

I did the conversion in a '73 cadillac as well, it worked great but the AC in the Vette is so crappy to begin with that the conversion really sucks. The Cad had a giant condenser, maybe that was the difference.

 

[Grizzly]

I can't speak to the home conversion, but I have had a number of my vehicles done by the dealer who sells that brand of vehicle and had have had good luck with all of them.

My 92 vert will freeze you out if you turn it down............................Griz

 

[GerryLP]

Don't do it, the R 12 is better. I did it, it works okay but I wish I had never messed with it. It's not as cold, you have to run a pusher fan at all times when the AC is on or you make to much head pressure and blow the front seal out of your compressor. I don't like it one bit.

I have a '69, so I use the giant old compressor, if your car has the newer design compressor I don't know anything about those.

That does makes sense, Koop. If one looks a late model cars, they do have a cycling fan running. My 1998 Diamante has it and it is pretty cool. Is there an after market electric fan that fits on the front? And what about that emergency electric fan that works, but I have never heard to turn in over 15 years?

I can't speak to the home conversion, but I have had a number of my vehicles done by the dealer who sells that brand of vehicle and had have had good luck with all of them.

My 92 vert will freeze you out if you turn it down............................Griz

Maybe I should consider that. One more search for the ideal shop...:ugh;squint::W

 

[6880 Mike]

Search the archives. There are probably posts for the conversion to R-134. The Corvette magazines have all done How-To articles on the conversion. Essentially the generic kits provide the new Shrader valves required for the R-134 and, depending on the kit, o-rings which are R-134 compatible.

Based upon articles I've read, the consenus is that if the old R-12 system is working and has no bad leaks, keep the R-12 and have an automotive AC shop do the maintenance on the system. If the old R-12 set up is gone/full of holes/leaks, etc., the change to R-134 is more practical.

 

[Dunzvett81]

I still have the R12 system, however I use 12a freon that is compatiable for both R12 and 134 systems. It works great and is only about $12 a can.

 

[IrishJoker]

I did the conversion 2 years ago. No problems - easy to do - works just fine - most of the cooling problems in the vette come from sloppy cooling system installatioin under the dash. Ensure that all the joints in the air ducting are solid. You can increase air flow simply by using duct tape at all joints and foaming all duct work at the vents. Your cooling/heating fan has a "High Speed" if the relay (which is under the hood on the passenger side on the heater blower box) has burned out as mine did you will need to replace it.