[DeTomaso] R 12 conversions

[JDeRyke at aol.com]

Boyd, first of all if you really want the A/C to work, move the condender 
to the front of your Pantera, like 99% of the other cars on the road. This 
does not cause the engine to overheat, and is not difficult. Most of the 
Pantera vendors will perform this work, or sell a kit that does this for your 
favorite shop to install. Second, as Jeff said, changing over to cheaper and 
more available R-134a freon is no big deal, except for two details: The R-134a 
molecule is smaller so it leaks MORE than R-12, which leaked quite a bit in 
Panteras. The hoses must all be changed to an internal barrier-style with 
o-ring fittings, and it seems to work best if the evaporator valve under the 
dash is changed to one designed for the higher flow rates of R-134a. Other 
than that, not much drama in the change. 

If you begin fooling with cut-rate A/C gasses such as propane or some of 
the non-EPA-approved gasses, most A/C shops will not service your system, 
because their EPA-required recovery machines will become contaminated with your 
off-brand gasses, causing much trouble and expense for the shop. This limits 
you to only a few places to have work done and they may not be conveniently 
located to you, however well the stuff may cool the car. Good luck staying 
cool- J DeRyke