Cool/Heat: Factory AC Conversion to R134a Kits?

[dsd]

All,

My 1964 GT Hawk has factory AC. We know it has no R12 refrigerant and the hoses are shot and need to be replaced. The box inside the car turns on and blows air that seems a touch cooler than ambient and then warms up a touch.

I'd like to get the AC working and converted to R134a (or whatever the modern kits use) but have no idea where to start. I will have my shop do this but they would really need some sort of kit or guidance.

Any pointers?

Thanks!

[jclary]

I'm going to comment here, but first, I need to admit I'm in over my head on the subject. I actually had training in AC technology and worked on mobile systems in the Air Force. That was back in 1965. That said, I did gather the components and did my own installation in my 1960 Lark back in the '80s. I used the original style York compressor and R12 Freon.

So, here is my take....if I were to install an AC today, I would replace the dryer, hoses, and compressor. I would discard the stock York and go with a more efficient rotary compressor. The concern for me is that I am unsure if a different expansion valve is required? I don't think so, but I'm not sure. The other thing that seems to me to be different between the two refrigerants is that R134 does not seem to produce as low a temperature as R12. (Actually, absorb as much btu's). The way modern AC units make up the difference seems to be by using higher volume circulation. So, a unit originally used for R12 might not seem as efficient when converted to R134 due to the volume of air capacity of the older unit? Purely speculation on my part, but having vehicles with both is what gives me that perception. Also, using a thermometer inserted into the vents of the two types reveals that the old R12 units vent air registers about six degrees cooler than my modern units.

This is my unqualified opinion, so let's see if someone with proper credentials will provide some useful information.

[rbisacca]

https://mechanicbase.com/ac/r12-to-r134a-conversion/

[dsd]

https://mechanicbase.com/ac/r12-to-r134a-conversion/

Thanks, I was hoping someone had this style BOM for the Studebaker. Getting the correct parts assembly to use the factory evaporator is really the problem rather than the actual concepts and install (hope that makes sense).

Again, thanks!

[gordr]

I would be disinclined to trust a Web article that cannot even distinguish the difference between atoms and molecules.

[JoeHall]

I have converted several of the old R12 units to R134. The conversion kits used to be very common, but have not seen them lately, maybe try eBay. The kit is nothing more than an adapter for the low pressure/suction side, so you can charge it with R134. It is also recommended to replace the condenser and hoses, but that is per the folks who sell condensers and hoses for a living. If you retain the OEM hoses, plan on recharging the system each spring, and maybe once in late summer, but will only need 1/2 pound or so. As for condenser, the OEM tube type is superior to anything made by the aftermarket. You will be downgrading your system's efficiency if you install a, "modern" condenser. The AC will come on quicker and cooler with the OEM condenser. As for compressor, the OEM units are prone to seepage, and heavy. I prefer the Sanyo 508 style. Just need a simple adapter to mount it on the OEM compressor mount. Once setup, it will drop temps to around 30-34 F, with fan on low speed, in ambient temps up to around 90, and 40-44 with fan on hi.

[Hawklover]

All,

My 1964 GT Hawk has factory AC. We know it has no R12 refrigerant and the hoses are shot and need to be replaced. The box inside the car turns on and blows air that seems a touch cooler than ambient and then warms up a touch.

I'd like to get the AC working and converted to R134a (or whatever the modern kits use) but have no idea where to start. I will have my shop do this but they would really need some sort of kit or guidance.

Any pointers?

Thanks!

Consider my story:
Last summer the compressor in my Avanti needed to be replaced.....along with that a new R/D and one new hose. The compressor utilized was a York brand new one, not a rebuilt. After all the work was done the total bill was $1,200.00..which included all parts and labor. I decided to stay with R12 as it blows colder and I wanted to stay as 'built' Yes I could have gone with the Sanden compressor, but then the thought of all new brackets etc....just turned me sour. if you need the specific p/n of the York unit I can post it later.

[dsd]

Consider my story:
Last summer the compressor in my Avanti needed to be replaced.....along with that a new R/D and one new hose. The compressor utilized was a York brand new one, not a rebuilt. After all the work was done the total bill was $1,200.00..which included all parts and labor. I decided to stay with R12 as it blows colder and I wanted to stay as 'built' Yes I could have gone with the Sanden compressor, but then the thought of all new brackets etc....just turned me sour. if you need the specific p/n of the York unit I can post it later.

The new compressor part would be awesome. Spoke to a new shop about the project and we are leaning towards keeping R12.

[Hawklover]

https://ecatalog.smpcorp.com/FS/#/vehicles/parts/num/58022?type=s

[Hawklover]

Comes with a new clutch!

Contact Jon Myer for the R/D......they are not like the Avanti.........they have a sight glass as part of the unit.

[Hawklover]

[Hawklover]

When you get the compressor the shop will have to drain out the PAG oil (N/G for R-12) and put in mineral oil...don't forget!!....and the shop can and most likely will forget about the change....so you have to just remind them.

[Hawklover]

Did you have the shop order the part for you?

[dsd]

Did you have the shop order the part for you?

Not yet. I’m going to bring it in after driving season (so October/November). Have a lot of projects going on and need to space them out :-)

[Buzzard]

Additional information is available on Nick Dynis's post regarding A/C in his Hawk:
Other: airconditioning conversion from 12 to new 134a -