R134a AC Conversion for Avanti

[okc63avanti]

I am converting my factory R12 AC on my R1 to an R134a system because I am converting the R1 to R2 specs with supercharger. I plan on going with a Sanden style compressor. I know the old AC hoses need changing and dryer etc. but should I change the old original R12 condenser to a different condenser for R134a to insure proper cooling?

If someone has done this please let me know where you got your condenser from, will a brand X fit or do I need to order one from someone like Vintage air.

Thanks

<div align="left">John</div id="left">

<div align="left">'63 Avanti, R1, Auto, AC, PW (unrestored)</div id="left">

[Warren Webb]

If you are going the 134 route then yes, a larger capacity condenser is beneficial but not nessisary. Rather than go & convert to 134 though, consider using "Freeze 12" instead. I put it in my 63 Ranger that had r-12 in it formally & the performance has been very good, especially on days here where the temp reaches over 100. The kit I bought came with compressor oil, stop leak & detector & 3 cans of freon. I only needed to use 2 cans after adding the oil & stop leak. Now it blows between 45-50 degrees. I believe JDP sells it.

60 Lark convertible
61 Champ
62 Daytona convertible
63 G.T. R-2,4 speed
63 Avanti (2)
66 Daytona Sport Sedan

[goodkarmech]

My knowledge of condensers is this, and may apply to your situation. Some of the old condensers have round tubes in them, while the newer ones have flattened tubes. The flattened tubes work better at exchanging heat between the liquid in the tubes and the fins than the round tube ones. The same applies to evaporators.
How much this matters is up for discussion, but I know for a fact it makes some difference in how well the 134 will cool an older car not designed for it. If you are switching to R134 I would suggest you do all you can to make the system as efficient as possible. One of these ways would be to get rid of your round tube condenser if your car has one. Another would be to install an electric pusher fan on the front of the condenser that comes on whenever the compressor clutch is engaged, or whenever the high side pressure rises above a preset pressure. Constantly moving air over the condenser is essential. Also check your fan clutch to make sure the thermostatic element is functioning, and it in fact speeds up the fan's rotation when the temps go up. One last thing that comes to mind is the expansion valve may not be calibrated for the R134 pressures, and may require adjustment if is adjustable or replacement. BTW, I think Sanden makes an excellent compressor.
If you don't want to make all these changes before you try the system with 134 then don't and see if it functions to your satisfaction.
You can always go back and adjust as needed for better cooling.
Hope this helps.

Al Reed
North Bay Area, CA

[wolfie]

I converted a number of cars to R-134 when the R-12 became hard to buy years ago and the only thing we ever CHANGED was the O rings. I dont recall doing anything as old as the Studebakers but see no reason it would be different. The 134 never got as cold as the R-12 (IMHO) but the difference was not terribly noticable and it certainly worked well enough. Steve

[JBOYLE]

Let me ask what is probably a stupid question....

It the Avanti evaporator unique to the car?
In other words, when I get my system recharged, should I have one handy to give the AC shop?

What about other items?
If I need a new compressor would off the shelf units look like Stude units (at least enough for a show)?

63 Avanti R1 2788
1914 Stutz Bearcat
(George Barris replica)

Washington State

[PackardV8]

One AC shop told me Stude units were basically the same as the aftermarket units of the day and hardly any parts were unique. The York compressor was used in nearly everything in the '60s. However, they've all been improved and superseded. If going to a Sanden compressor, consider going all the way with a hot rod aftermarket kit.

thnx, jack vines

PackardV8

[41 Frank]

I converted my formerly owned 66 Cruiser to R-134A some years ago,worked fine but needed a little refrigerant added every year or so. This is atributable to me using the old hoses which are not barrier hose. The molecules in R-134A are smaller hence it escapes easier. One other thing to keep in mind is that a/c systems back then in Studes (at least mine) used flare fittings throughout, nowadays o-ring type fittings are used so there is an incompatibility issue here if you start mixing parts. In other words, the new condenser you may purchase might not work with your old compressor fittings or evaporator. There may be fittings one could get to overcome this problem, but I have no info to that effect.