Does anyone in the Cities still do AC work on old vehicles?

[HAZZARDJOHN]

I am planning a road trip in my 75 Cadillac and the AC has not worked for 15 years. I have some stuff I have to do before I trust it to go that far, but if I can I would like to get the AC fix since this a summer trip. I can't find anyone using the google machine that looks like they can tackle it anymore. Is this another industry that has dried up?

[mnstang]

Assuming you don't want to convert, all you need is any old shop that still has an r12 machine. I'd get a phone book and start calling around.

[HAZZARDJOHN]

I am not against converting, I just want it to work or at least know what it will take to get it working. I called all the shops I know and none of them will handle and R12 vehicle. My parents live in Texas and they have vehicle AC shops everywhere. I am half tempted to take it down there and get it fixed.

[Sleepin96]

I'd be happy to convert it for you. We're planning on converting our 68 Deville convertible this summer as well. If we get that far anyway.

[mnstang]

Well if you're ok with converting, most any shop that is decent can do that for you. You are probably out of refrigerant anyway. Taking your car to Texas for simple basic AC work... that is beyond silly.

[Fernanernie]

Doesn't Minnesota5.0 do A/C work? I KNOW there is somebody on this board that does

[Notch]

Any shop should be able to convert it and charge it for you. It's not rocket surgery.

[xjfish]

There is still some R-12 around, its hard but not impossible to find. A few years ago I replaced the compressor on a '76 Ford and recharged the system with a couple old R-12 cans he scrounged up, worked great. I also think there are some alternatives to 134a that might be worth looking at. Freeze 12? R134a will work ok in your car "converted" but it will require a lesser charge (134 runs higher pressure) and probably not cool as well.

[Akromix]

There's a fuck ton of r12 around. The problem is finding anyone willing to admit they have it and sell some to you.

[HAZZARDJOHN]

That's been the problem, you can actually find R12 on Ebay for really cheap now. But every place I called that does AC work said they would not touch a car that was R12 and they do not do conversions anymore as it was not worth it to them as the R12 cars are 20 years or older now.

[Akromix]

That's been the problem, you can actually find R12 on Ebay for really cheap now. But every place I called that does AC work said they would not touch a car that was R12 and they do not do conversions anymore as it was not worth it to them as the R12 cars are 20 years or older now.

Probably some regulations and shit relating to working on it. Probably liabilities if it leaks. I'm sure there's a bunch of hoo-haw around it.

[Notch]

That and why not go to 134 so if you have a leak it wont be expensive to find and/or having to recharge again if it leaks out?

It's like building an engine to run on leaded gas only or pump gas. Big convenience factor.

[mnstang]

That and why not go to 134 so if you have a leak it wont be expensive to find and/or having to recharge again if it leaks out?

It's like building an engine to run on leaded gas only or pump gas. Big convenience factor.

Couple reasons might be that converted cars don't cool nearly as well, and also if the owner wanted to keep the car as original as possible. The proper repair would be to charge, locate leak, evacuate and repair the leak, then recharge. You'll lose very minimal during leak test diagnosis so I don't see that as a big deal unless you don't trust your work.

To the op, is Paul Gott still fixing cars I know he had an r12 machine when I worked with him where you live. If it was me I'd try to stay with r12 it cools so much better.

[90SC]

Most shops have gotten rid of thier r12 equipment, due to not being used and maintaining it. I still have equipment and about 40 pounds of r12. The cost to convert an older car as yours can get quite expensive. If your compressor is still good and seal dosen't blow,staying with r12 is probably the best route. Seals might be still available, depending on which version you have. I have repaired a number of older r12 systems lately for people wanting to stay original. I've been doing ac service for over 40 years.

[dirt racer]

I converted my 73 Thunderbird about 5 years ago. Replaced everything except the evaporator. New compressor. POA valve from Air Manufacturing Corporation in Texas. That replaces the expantion valve with the newer pressure switch setup. Went to Dealer Automotive Services in Hopkins. They made up new lines for me with R134a fittings for $125. Works great. Doesn't blow frost like the old R12. Never seen a new car do that. I get cold even driving 8 miles to work on the hottest day. Probably cost around $1000.