can we convert R12 to R134a? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

beeroh · 09-19-2003, 12:21 AM

Can these trucks AC systems be converted to handle the R134a crap?

**N2TRUX** · 09-19-2003, 01:15 AM

Yes, they can. Even the early style large compressor system will convert. My 77 is converted, and it blows ice cubes...

RiverCityChevy · 09-19-2003, 09:20 AM

r12 units can be converted, a conversion kit can be picked up at most auto parts stores(34.99 at Oreillys)it contains the neccessary parts to do the job..but be sure to evacuate the system well so you don't contaiminate your r34a.my 73 maverickj has been done and works very well....Jim

mhorning · 09-19-2003, 09:57 AM

For mine, I bought the end that screws on to nipple near the firewall where you add the freon. I made sure the system was empty and filled it with 134. The nipple which converts your threads from R12 to and R134 cost about 3 bucks at autozone. I have a friend that works in the AC business and he says that the R12 and R134 are almost the same chemically. He even told me you could actually mix the two and be fine.

RiverCityChevy · 09-19-2003, 11:44 AM

mixing r12 and 134a will not work, I know by experience...they will not mix, not calling anyone a liar, so don't get me wrong, but it won't work...it will contaminate the system.

mhorning · 09-19-2003, 02:16 PM

huh, that's weird. I mixed it once on my VW and didn't have problem. Could be different though. I agree though, I wouldn't recommend it. Not for the cost of 134, its not worth it.

85Supreme · 09-20-2003, 12:56 AM

Yeah you Can. I did mine this summer. I dunno but this morning when I went out to the truck there was a huge puddle of oil. Checked all fluilds they were all full. It was leaking from the compressor. I guess it's s'pose to be in the 30's tonight so I won't worry about the compressor for a while but i should probably replace the window motor on the Passenger side.

apstguy · 09-22-2003, 12:49 PM

Depends if you would like to do a quick and dirty job or a full conversion. The quick and dirty will only last about 2 years. I'm going to replace my accumulator, orifice tube, high pressure switch, rebuild compressor, & o-rings (you can get hoses made for R-134a too but if you have older hoses, they have been coated with enough oil to keep it from being too porous). The quick and dirty one is just buying the kit from Autozone.

gchemist · 09-22-2003, 08:36 PM

Three years on my conversion to R134. No problem other than the original compressor crapped out about a year after the conversion. Used it too much.

09-19-2003, 12:21 AM	#1
beeroh Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Atascadero, CA. Posts: 149	can we convert R12 to R134a? Can these trucks AC systems be converted to handle the R134a crap? __________________ 84 Silverado,

09-19-2003, 01:15 AM	#2
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	Yes, they can. Even the early style large compressor system will convert. My 77 is converted, and it blows ice cubes... __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

09-19-2003, 09:20 AM	#3
RiverCityChevy You want it when??? Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: I live in memphis,tenn. been here for almost 30 years. Posts: 144	air con conversion r12 units can be converted, a conversion kit can be picked up at most auto parts stores(34.99 at Oreillys)it contains the neccessary parts to do the job..but be sure to evacuate the system well so you don't contaiminate your r34a.my 73 maverickj has been done and works very well....Jim __________________ RiverCityChevy The more Hondas I see the more I love my Chevy Truck. If you're not out front the view never changes.

09-19-2003, 11:44 AM	#5
RiverCityChevy You want it when??? Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: I live in memphis,tenn. been here for almost 30 years. Posts: 144	mixing r12 and 134a mixing r12 and 134a will not work, I know by experience...they will not mix, not calling anyone a liar, so don't get me wrong, but it won't work...it will contaminate the system. __________________ RiverCityChevy The more Hondas I see the more I love my Chevy Truck. If you're not out front the view never changes.

09-19-2003, 02:16 PM	#6
mhorning Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Corning, NY Posts: 158	huh, that's weird. I mixed it once on my VW and didn't have problem. Could be different though. I agree though, I wouldn't recommend it. Not for the cost of 134, its not worth it. __________________ 63 Chevy C10 86 Chevy K10

09-19-2003, 09:57 AM	#4
mhorning Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Corning, NY Posts: 158	For mine, I bought the end that screws on to nipple near the firewall where you add the freon. I made sure the system was empty and filled it with 134. The nipple which converts your threads from R12 to and R134 cost about 3 bucks at autozone. I have a friend that works in the AC business and he says that the R12 and R134 are almost the same chemically. He even told me you could actually mix the two and be fine.

09-20-2003, 12:56 AM	#7
85Supreme Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 27	Re: Yeah you Can. I did mine this summer. I dunno but this morning when I went out to the truck there was a huge puddle of oil. Checked all fluilds they were all full. It was leaking from the compressor. I guess it's s'pose to be in the 30's tonight so I won't worry about the compressor for a while but i should probably replace the window motor on the Passenger side. __________________ Currently Own: 1984 k10 Silverado 2-tone Gray on top and bottom red middle, Goodwrench 350, Headman Headers, Edelbrock Intake, Holley Carb, All Emissions Equipment Removed. Paid to Much. Previously Owned: $150 1985 Custom Deluxe C10, 4.3 Liter Carburated Vortec, Fairly Rusty, Leaky Gas Tank, Desert Sand in Color. Sold For $675 1985 Cutlass Supreme with a 307ci V8, Automatic, Baby Blue w/ Navy Vinal Top, 68,000 miles. Sold for $1400.

09-22-2003, 12:49 PM	#8
apstguy LED King Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 2,087	Depends if you would like to do a quick and dirty job or a full conversion. The quick and dirty will only last about 2 years. I'm going to replace my accumulator, orifice tube, high pressure switch, rebuild compressor, & o-rings (you can get hoses made for R-134a too but if you have older hoses, they have been coated with enough oil to keep it from being too porous). The quick and dirty one is just buying the kit from Autozone. __________________ Tyler 1985 C10 305 w/ Bowtie OD TH700R4 3.42 LSD 202,000 miles 2006 Ford Focus ZX3 5-speed Stick 2016 Chevy Spark EV Gone: 2002.5 VW GTI 24v VR6 Gone: 2008 VW R32

09-22-2003, 08:36 PM	#9
gchemist BAD BOW-Silverado XST Join Date: May 2000 Location: Senior Member from Austin, TX Posts: 6,431	Three years on my conversion to R134. No problem other than the original compressor crapped out about a year after the conversion. Used it too much. __________________ Gerardo a.k.a. Mad Chemist Silverado XST videos

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