rebuilding Rear A/C and converting to R134a

[Cumminpwr11]

I have a vintage air setup and rear ac. I was told that the front A/C doesn't work is because the systems are different. I didn't know that R12 had to have anything special done to run R134a. The rear fan blows, but doesn't get cold. My vintage are made a few noises like something was loose by the fan blades then quit working all together.

Going to have the vintage air looked at, but was thinking about getting the newer gen 4 so I don't have to fight with the cables when switching from cold to hot.

Just looking for info on where to start. Not sure if the mechanic that looked at it was full of it.

Chris

[Bigdav160]

Nothing special about the rear A/C. It's a squirrel fan, core and expansion valve. The thing to look out for is the type of oil used. Your rear hoses won't like PAG oil for long. They will start breaking down. I've heard ester oil is OK. Since your Vintage air probably uses a sanden compressor, it could be one of the smaller displacement versions. It should still work but they do make larger displacement ones if there isn't enough cooling capacity.

PS, what year Dodge frame is your truck sitting on? How much work was it to make it fit?

[Cumminpwr11]

Thank you. I'll look into that.

My suburban is sitting on a 1990 w350. I had to shorten it 4 inches, but I cut a 4 ft section and flipped them over so the body would set low. My friend Bruce did the fab work and I bought it off him. He said it wasn't that hard vs swapping the engine, making motor mounts, transmission crossmember relocation, swapping axels. Body mounts on the dodge and the suburban lined right put on 80% of them. Clean and Easy.

Chris

[frenchy51]

I'm also looking into AC to cool that big cabin in my 70 Burb. It's going to be over 100 degrees today here so I need a big unit. What have you guys done that works? I have the original ceiling mount unit that runs the length of the cabin now, but it doesn't work at all and frankly I don't like the looks of it. If I go with a big compressor and a vintage or Old Air type unit can I get away with just dash outlets or should I also go with an auxillary ceiling mount OR should I rebuild the original? What works and still looks good?

[WhiteWhale]

I too would like to use the stock front and rear A/C in the burb and was wondering if anyone was able to save theirs.

I know R12 is no longer being produced and is expensive if you can find it but I dont think it would be more expensive than installing two VA units.

[64Bezer]

I put in an Old Air kit in April. I chose an upgraded Sanden compressor. I kept the original rear AC unit but installed a new expansion valve back there. On really hot Sacramento days it all struggles a bit. However, I have zero insulation and you can feel heat radiating through the doors, floor, and roof. That will be a project this winter. On a 90 degree day, it works well enough. 100+ is just too hot for it right now.
Rob

[Cumminpwr11]

Rob,

I know what you mean. In Vegas we hit 110-120 during the summer and that's when it gets parked. I want it so its ice cold and can keep up. I am planning on insulating the whole truck but until then I want it to at least keep up.

Chris

[Blacklion62]

I don't have a rear AC unit in my '88 Beast. I have one, but I have considered getting a cooling unit for a semi cab and putting it on the roof. Cost is still a factor for me, even more now that I find myself out of work. I think that may be a workable solution.

James