[DeTomaso] Fw: A/C conversion

[Will Demelo]

What is the common refigerant used in the UK? The car is being shipped abroad.
Will

----- Original Message ----- 
From: MikeLDrew at aol.com 
To: wdemelo at cogeco.ca ; detomaso at realbig.com 
Sent: Saturday, April 19, 2008 3:35 PM
Subject: Re: [DeTomaso] A/C conversion



In a message dated 4/19/08 10 01 0, wdemelo at cogeco.ca writes:



  I have a bone stock A/C system that I need get running. Obviously, I need to replace the compressor with a 134a type. 


>>>Actually, no.  The simplest thing to do is just replace the stock compressor with a rotary unit and associated bracket, but stick with the R12 formula.  Although R12 is no longer in production, A/C shops are amply stocked with acceptable substitutes, and it is probably cheaper and easier than switching the whole system over to R134.



  Anything else I need to order? Are the vendors priced similarly? Will my stock condenser and dryer work?


If you stick with R12, yes.  I would bring your car as-is to an A/C shop and have them evaluate the condition of your condenser.  Exhaust fumes attack them, and many of them have fins that have literally turned to powder, and thus they are ineffective.  Assuming yours is in decent shape, you should replace all the hoses, and the dryer, along with the compresser.  But your evaporator under the dash, and condenser should be fine.  Oh, you might want to change the expansion valve too; talk to the A/C shop about this.

You can do all the nuts-and-bolts work yourself, then just have the shop perform a leak check prior to charging.

I think most of the vendors are similarly priced on the parts....

Mike



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