Staying with original A/C
 

My '65 came with and still has factory air conditioning. I had it charged and it leaked out in about a month or so. When I asked one shop about recharging, he recommended just converting it to the new stuff, not R12. He said that this means new compressor, hoses, etc. But, I would like to keep the car as factory correct as I can.

Does anybody know how to make R12 work these days? Do I replace all of the hoses, clamps & seals?

Scott

RE: Staying with original A/C
 

My understanding, and this may be over simplified, is that the molecules of the new stuff are smaller and leak down quicker. I charged a few of my older systems with the new stuff and they work fine. Maybe if you can find the leaking area and repair it,if your system is intact it shouldwork fine for you. They even make a conditioner to put in for the seals. The only thing you will need to do is get one of those adapter kits for the Schraeder valve. Cost is about $9.00. Good luck with the leak.

PS: Congratulations on "Ride Of The Month".

RE: Staying with original A/C
 

Hi Scott, the most common source for leaks will be at the O-ring seals and/or flare fittings where each joint in the lines are made. On an old girl like you have you may also find that the compressor shaft seal is leaking. Once you determine how to make a leak proof system then recharging won't be a problem. The biggest drawback of keeping an R-12 system stock is the high cost of the refrigerant R-12. On my "nothin' special" 1978 L-48 automatic I'll be converting to 134-A when I do a motor swap, I can then check the evaporator and condenser for leaks and replace the hoses and compressor if necessary.

RE: Staying with original A/C
 

Hey Scott, Well first of all R12 is almost impossible to get you hands on not to mention if you can find some place to sell it you need a licence. The second thing about R12 is that it is EXTREAMLY expensive. If you do decide to keep othe old system which you schould be able to do with the conversion kits is make sure there is no remaining R12 left in the system because mixing R12 and 134A can ruin your compressor

RE: Staying with original A/C
 

Scott, have an A/C shop put the leak detection dye in to find the leak. Probably the front compressor seal.