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Automotive R-12 Freon substitutes

Fatstrat
My '88 Ford w/original A/C unit needs re-charged. We have a shop that will re-charge w/R-12 for about $125-$150. in town.
Or a friend can put in some of the R-12 "compatable" stuff MUCH cheaper.
Anyone know anything about these R-12 substitutes? Pro's, Cons?
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Comments

10 comments

Date Votes
  • jabronij3
    don't mix r12 a 134a
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  • SuburbanNoize
    why dont you just get the change over kit, its not very hard to do and not expensive.
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  • bamafan
    quote:Originally posted by SuburbanNoize
    why dont you just get the change over kit, its not very hard to do and not expensive.




    +1

    Done the same thing to my S-10. Done it myself over a year ago, and still blowing icicles.
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  • Fatstrat
    I plan on buying a new(er) truck in 1-2 years. And the AC still works. Just not as good as it used to. It IMO just needs a can or 2 of freon. What is the cost of a changeover to 134A as compared to the $125-$150 of getting some R-12 put in?
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  • asphalt cowboy
    quote:Originally posted by jabronij3
    don't mix r12 a 134a


    +1 Don't mix 134a with R12, it'll wreack havock with your drier and the seals in the compressor. If you convert to 134a you will first need to have the system purged and then the proper fittings installed.
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  • Fatstrat
    I already know not to put plain 134A in my R-12 systm. But there are other options that are basically 134 w/oil added. THAT"S what I'm asking about.
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  • dbarale
    Do a search for "Freeze 12", a friend used it in a couple vehicles and swears by it...
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  • Kimbercolt
    my dad's 85 chevy was refitted with R134, but it never got as cold as R12, I found this stuff, it works great.
    http://www.efproducts.com/
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  • Topkick
    Do the retrofit.
    Add the oil and change the fittings out.
    They screw on with a sealer.

    Cost ya about $75 or so.

    The auto parts store will hook you up.
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  • bamafan
    quote:Originally posted by Fatstrat
    I plan on buying a new(er) truck in 1-2 years. And the AC still works. Just not as good as it used to. It IMO just needs a can or 2 of freon. What is the cost of a changeover to 134A as compared to the $125-$150 of getting some R-12 put in?



    If you do the work yourself, all you'll pay for is the changeover kit. It has all the fittings you will need. I think I paid around 40 bucks for the retrofit kit. If you have any mechanical knowledge, and a few hand tools, you can do it yourself. If you have to pay someone, I'd say labor would between 50 and a 100 bucks. Just a ball park figure. Hope this helps.
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