[00 SS]

I've heard R12 systems can be converted to R134a. Does anyone know what's involved? Should I convert my old car to R134a, or should I just try to get it charged with R12? I've heard that you have replace the seals in the system, but I've also heard that you don't. If it's easy and reasonably priced, I'd probably convert it.

[rpoz-29]

I've converted 3 vehicles from R-12 to 134a. Two Ford pick-up trucks, and my son's Acura. A friend swore he converted his by simply replacing the R-12 with the 134a. I by-passed the limit switch so the compressor would run when I turned on the AC switch, broke the line coming from the compressor and ran it for a second. I added the prescribed amount of ester oil into the compressor, and filled it with 134a, and it worked. I didn't replace all the "O" rings, or any of that. They would leak down over the fall/winter/spring, but I just charged them back up after that. I've sold the 2 Fords, but my son still drives the Acura. In my applications, it seemed to take less 134a than R-12 to make it work. Kind of a "jack-leg" repair, but it worked okay.