[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.

[00 SS]

The car is an '88 Buick Park Avenue. It's just about to hit 100,000 miles so it's got alot of life left in it and it's in very good shape. I can see driving this car for a few more years.

Thanks for all the advice on how to convert to 134a. But I'm still considering whether or not to convert it. Everybody seems to say that it will cost more to leave it as R12, but looking on eBay, I can get several cans of R12 and a guage/manifold set for under $150. Can the system be converted for $150 or less? The system currently works, but it's not very cold. My guess is the system has not been charged in MANY years. This was my grandmothers car and she rarely used it.

I have no vac pump, I've seen them on eBay for about $60. An R134a guage/manifold set is about $75. 134a refrigerant is about $6/lb and I'm guessing the system would hold 10-15 lbs, so say $75. It looks like it would cost at least $200 to convert it if I need no other parts. Plus the time involved appears to be at least a full day. I know future recharges would be cheaper and maybe easier but I'm just wondering if it's worth it.

This post has been edited by 00 SS: May 19 2009, 05:06 PM