I just want to hear if you are happy with the results or if it was more of keeping the factory look or? I was thinking of getting a Sanden unit but want some feedback on what you all are doing.
Thanks.

I have a 80 Chrysler Lebaron Medallion 2dr HDT with OE a/c(compressor, hoses are 80 original) and have it converted to 134. Changed oil in compressor and 134 freon and works great in AZ summer. I may be just lucky!

Great thread. I have the exact same question on my car; '65 Satellite.

What did you do when changing the oil in the '80 OEM compressor - did you just wing it and see what happened? Did you clean out all the old oil, or did ya just drain-and-pour-back-in the new stuff? Did you change the seals anywhere?

Thanks for any more info.

Two years ago I called Classic Auto Air who quoted about $1,200 to take all my stock my hoses, exp.tank, compressor, evaporator, valves, etc. and overhaul them compatible with R134. Not sure what they do to achieve it, but it would be nice to save that money if I can.

- Art

I have converted numerious cars and trucks over to R134, the only thing I have every changed before hand was the dryer, because that is what has been catching any trash that was ever in the system, similar to a filter, a stopping up dryer will slow down flow and back up pressure.

I have converted 3 cars to 134A with great success. I would change the drier, expansion valve, o rings, and change the oil in the compressor. Depending on the age of the high pressure line, I would consider changing that as well. Some say that 134A does not get as cold as R12. I disagree, as long as you don't over charge. Only put in 80% of what your system holds. This can be done for under 100 bucks if you don't have to change any hoses.

Classic auto air also recommends using barrier hoses, flsuhing the system, and pulling the EPR valve from the stock compressor body. I have heard this (pulling EPR valve) from other sources also. pulling the EPR valve seems reasonable and is free.

Aside from the flushing, swapping o-rings, reciever drier, hoses, removing some of the old internal parts and possibly some other changes, I understand that changing the condensor to one of the new design is what really enhances the cooling performance of the r134.

I've done a couple of conversions and have had no problem with just vacuuming the system, adding the correct oil, and charging the system. I did a '69 camaro this way 10 years ago and it's still going strong.

My Challenger had a slow leak and I knew I'd be tearing it down for a resto this winter so I just charged it up with R134 each time I needed A/C. With the leak, it'd last a week or so but it was definitely functional and the stock compressor seemed to do just fine. I'll change the drier, condensor, and new o-rings while I've got it apart this winter but I plan to leave the stock compressor as-is. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

My

I first did mine (a 1984 Monte Carlo SS) in about 1985-86 or so...all I did was vacuum the system and charged with 134a. Cooled fine, and still hasn't been touched! You might notice the compressor will cycle more due to the difference in the pressures. Jeff