If they used 134 in a a 12 system there’s nothing to really “convert” other than the fittings and it can work. 5000 is a ripoff. All you need is new seals, orfice tube, some flush, some oil and a YouTube video. You can diy this with some harbor freight tools and even if you had to buy new parts 1500 bucks MAX


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I think you can do it for half that. I converted a non ac truck over to ac for less than $800 and that included paying a shop $220 to charge the system.
Get your parts at rockauto.com to save money - just make sure you know what you are ordering because they aren't return friendly

 

Thanks @robbz28 - that's good to know. I'll do some youtube searching tonight and hopefully find the details on how to proceed. Love the FSB community!

 

Worst case if you need a new compressor, dryer, condenser, you can buy all that for probably under 800 bucks. A pack of orings, gallon of flush, about 4-5 cans of 134 (depending on capacity) and some PAG oil. You’d need to borrow or buy a cheap evacuation pump and while it’s best to use a set of AC hoses on the high and low sides, you CAN make it work with one of those cheap hose on a can setups that only goes on the low side. Maybe you can leave the part of recharging up to an AC tech


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great advice - thank you again.

So I'm clear - when R134 is used in an R12 system, the fixed orifice tube and the seals are all that is damaged? Which seals need to be replaced? The evaporator, condenser, compressor, and hoses should all be fine?

Looking at the shop manual, just trying to visualize what I need to buy/replace.

 

great advice - thank you again.

So I'm clear - when R134 is used in an R12 system, the fixed orifice tube and the seals are all that is damaged? Which seals need to be replaced? The evaporator, condenser, compressor, and hoses should all be fine?

Looking at the shop manual, just trying to visualize what I need to buy/replace.
View attachment 212544

If you put 134 in a 12 system without changing anything, the seals will eventually rot and then the gas will leak out. The orfice tube is not damaged, and the system will still cool, but a proper 134 orfice tube is required because it has smaller holes in it so it works better with 134. Same goes for the condenser assembly, the 12 one will work, but a 134 will work better.

If it was me, and i didn't know anything about the AC's history, i might would just go ahead and change the compressor, dryer, condenser, low pressure switch, and seals and orfice and flush everything else. What you don't want happening is your compressor to implode and send shrapnel throughout your system.

Also, im willing to bet your AC box is FULL of crap, so id suggest removing the blower motor and digging out the old leaves and rat turds, and you can do the same thing with the evaporator, a few screws and it will come out as well. Give all that a good cleaning.

Also, id look in the phonebook or whatever, find ANOTHER AC tech, and ask what they would charge to re-charge your AC for you, i bet for the cost of refrigerant, oil, gauges, and a vacuum pump, you can have it professionally recharged, as that can be the trickiest part.

 

Good advice from @robbz28 above.

I have a serpentine system off an 89, so when I converted my 81 to 134a, I picked an AC compressor off a later F150 that used 134a, flushed the condenser and evaporator, installed new hoses, o-rings, filter/dryer and orfice tube, then evacuated the system, added pag oil, then used gauges to add the refrigerant. Also had to wire in a high pressure switch.

Here's some resources that helped me:

1993 Ford Bronco A/C Conversion to R-134a pictures, videos, and sounds | SuperMotors.net and as said here IIRC, you can swap the entire system without breaking the lines from a donor vehicle into yours. The biggest issue, I think, would be finding a system with a compressor that will fit your mount. You also need help so you don't kink lines, etc.

Original Air Joins the Classic Auto Air Family | Classic Auto Air

Original Air joins the Classic Auto Air family. Together, we’re enhancing our support for classic car enthusiasts with unmatched expertise and dedication.

www.originalair.com

AC System Pressure Chart - A/C recharge kits

www.rechargeac.com

 

I replace all the major components including compressor in my 95 for around 600.00 or so, it’s really easy to do. The only specialty tools you need are a vacuum pump and gauges and both are fairly inexpensive at Harbor freight or Amazon. 5000.00 is a complete ripoff

 

Wow, that guy is really trying to rip you off!

Sounds like my experience is just.like everyone elelses on here with my 86.

I screwed on the two R134 adaptors & pumped in a can of the green leak detector dye with the r134, then jumped the compressor to circulate it around & found leaky o-rings & a leaky accumulator that had a cracked weld on a tube. The accumulator was $35.

So I disassenbled all the lines & flushed everything. Then put on the new o-rings & the orfice tube for r134 & reassembled everything & hooked up the vacuum pump, which held a vacuum overnight. I filled it with a few cans of the r134 with oil & its worked great ever since. I spent maybe $80 total.

I had never done it before either & i was quite doubtful on doing it myself, but i read some posts on here, watched a few youtube videos & it was really simple to do. If you can install a garden hose, you can work on a/c.

 

He didn't happen to have a bridge for sale, did he? Just curious...

 

Just don't cheap out on a 4 seasons compressor.

I replaced the entire AC system in my Ford Focus. Evaporator/condenser/ .... yadda yadda .. everything except the lines.

It just pisses me off that I have to go to shop for re-charges. this is what happened to me.

1) system will not cool. 1st re-charge $100
2) Evaporator is leaking. Had to take the entire dash assembly out to get to the evaporator. Went to rock auto and bought all 4 seasons parts.
3) 2nd re-charge $100. System still was not cooling enough. Tech looked at the compressor and it wasn't putting out enough pressure.
4) took off the 4 season compressor and installed a spare factory compressor ... I had
5) 3rd re-charge $100
6) used compressor lasted 2 months ... said to hell with it and rolled down the windows.

I will eventually fork out the cash of a new OEM compressor and start this whole dance again.

Thinking back on this.... I should have just paid the $1,800 I was quoted for the Focus repair. It doesn't take long to add up at $100 a pop for a re-charge..... and pulling the Focus dash was almost as much fun as pulling a fullsize Bronco dash.

I don't mind turning wrenches ..... but sometimes the "suck factor" is just not worth it. I'm not sure I will go down the AC rabbit hole again.

 

Just don't cheap out on a 4 seasons compressor.

There is a lot of junk out there for sure, and like with all parts house brands you never know what you're gonna get, but the 4 seasons on my bronco has a sticker where it was remanufactured in 2000 and its still getting after it. I just don't know if you can find an OEM compressor anymore for these old rigs. Maybe some mom and pop out there that still does a rebuild? IDK.
I roll the dice on some things, depending on how important it is to my safety, and my budget at the time too.

 

yeah ..... completely trying to rip you off.

I converted mine last summer including new compressor and hoses for under 500 bucks. it took some reading and making sure I did everything right , the whole process was done in an afternoon and its still blowing ice cold.

 

I actually got angry when i read the first post....5,000 dollars. He must think really highly of his labor. You can buy a brand new vintage air universal AC kit for like 1400 dollars. Ive installed 2 of those in recent years, one in a 67 mustang and one in a 67 camaro, took me the better part of a day to do each.

 

Thanks everyone for the great help here. I'm going to order all new parts and components and just do the overhaul myself: compressor, liquid line, suction line, discharge line, condenser, and evaporator. Once I start on it I will give you all an update.

Again - can't say enough how great the FSB community is!

Thanks

 

Thanks everyone for the great help here. I'm going to order all new parts and components and just do the overhaul myself: compressor, liquid line, suction line, discharge line, condenser, and evaporator. Once I start on it I will give you all an update.

Again - can't say enough how great the FSB community is!

Thanks

Get the fat line for the later model so you have the port for the high psi cut out switch and wire it in !!! I can’t emphasize that enough

 

Not everybody needs to have the same view on their labor value.
Perhaps it is his way of saying "I don't want it"...
We're all adult decision makers in what works for our own individual. If it is too much then go elsewhere. Nobody is being forced to do anything.

Don't forget the accumulator.

 

yup, - accumulator included in the compressor kit! Thanks @Native_Viking

 

i bought all the components I need from Rock Auto for less than 800.00 buck, new compressor.condenser,rec.dryer, and new lines. i have a 96 bronco and the clutch went out so i just bought all components to replace the who system less the evaporator. Still piled in my basement because my health took a turn and I can't turn a wrench right now. it's a big job but an easy job.

 

A few of the large chain parts houses will let you "rent" the AC vacuum and hoses/gauges. Check with them and it will save you having to buy something you may only use one or twice.

 

very good idea. thank you

 

I know nothing about A/C systems - is this a real thing? He told me that the entire system is shot and he will replace the A/C system for $5000. I have a sinking suspicion that with some help from FSB, a youtube video or 2, and $500 I might be able to replace it/fix it myself. Thoughts? Am I too confident? Thanks

Good video

 

I know nothing about A/C systems - is this a real thing? He told me that the entire system is shot and he will replace the A/C system for $5000.

I have a sinking suspicion that with some help from FSB, a youtube video or 2, and $500 I might be able to replace it/fix it myself.

Thoughts? Am I too confident?

Thanks

I know nothing about A/C systems - is this a real thing? He told me that the entire system is shot and he will replace the A/C system for $5000.

I have a sinking suspicion that with some help from FSB, a youtube video or 2, and $500 I might be able to replace it/fix it myself.

Thoughts? Am I too confident?

Thanks

I know nothing about A/C systems - is this a real thing? He told me that the entire system is shot and he will replace the A/C system for $5000.

I have a sinking suspicion that with some help from FSB, a youtube video or 2, and $500 I might be able to replace it/fix it myself.

Thoughts? Am I too confident?

Thanks

good YouTube video

 

I started fooling around with ac stuff last year my neighbor tried giving me the 10 minute tutorial found out he was full of it. So I dove in and really learned a bunch of new stuff it’s really easy just time consuming and once you start you will want to check everyone’s A/C, if you don’t use it you loose it. Thanks for reminding me I need to bust out the guages and check the vehicles. $5,000 that sounds more like doctor pay than an ol greasy wrench turner.

 

I know nothing about A/C systems - is this a real thing? He told me that the entire system is shot and he will replace the A/C system for $5000.

I have a sinking suspicion that with some help from FSB, a youtube video or 2, and $500 I might be able to replace it/fix it myself.

Thoughts? Am I too confident?

Thanks

Your guy is on dope! Run away and never look back!
First of all, if all your stuff is not leaking, your evaporator is in good shape all you’ll need to replace is a condenser you’ll need a newer condenser that is compatible with r134 . I used a 95-97 condenser in mine and replaced the end on the plastic liquid line(high side) and it works perfectly! Blows 29*
I’ll have to find the paperwork on the aluminum end and give you the information!, you can purchase one at most AC suppliers. It’s $27 high for a 4” piece of aluminum tubing. Or you can go to the pick n pull and grab the OEM aluminum tube and cut the end off and slide it in the nylon tubing and clamp it.

 

Your guy is on dope! Run away and never look back!
First of all, if all your stuff is not leaking, your evaporator is in good shape all you’ll need to replace is a condenser you’ll need a newer condenser that is compatible with r134 . I used a 95-97 condenser in mine and replaced the end on the plastic liquid line(high side) and it works perfectly! Blows 29*
I’ll have to find the paperwork on the aluminum end and give you the information!, you can purchase one at most AC suppliers. It’s $27 high for a 4” piece of aluminum tubing. Or you can go to the pick n pull and grab the OEM aluminum tube and cut the end off and slide it in the nylon tubing and clamp it.

PS. It is HIGHLY advisable that you install a high pressure cutoff switch on your compressor! All later 90s ford trucks have it,

 

So on my 1990 Bronco I was told the AC system hasn't worked for over 10yrs and the guy I got it from tried the 134a conversion...looks like all he really did was add the 134a connectors...So I've been tinkering with it on and off...I read an article that said don't worry about using the gauges or pressures just fill it by volume...so I purged the system as best I could and simply added 3 cans of 134a...I used 1 can of preconditioner first...my truck i'm told holds 3lbs of refrigerant...if the system was broke the worst thing would be it would stay broke...way I looked at it...but dang if I don't have the coldest AC of all my vehicles now...I didn't do any vacuum or anything other than use a small screwdriver to hold the pins down so anything in the system just blew out...probably not the correct way but money's tight right...lol and it worked like a champ. Been 4 weeks now and its still blowing cold...so cold it actually hurts if its blowing directly on your arm or leg...I love it...

I have a friend that has relatives in Texas area...they go across border and can buy the 1lbs cans of R12 for next to nothing...he gets em to send them to him for his old vehicles...just a thought...not sure what they'd say about it but its an idea if you have something older and don't wanna risk having to rework the whole system.

 

This brings up a good point, if your sticker on your r12 says 3lbs, then you really only need about 2.5lb of 134a. Its about 80%. Also the vacuum serves 2 main purposes, first is to make sure you don't have any leaks and second is to evacuate as much moisture you can out of the system...its not necessary, but definitely preferred mainly for the leak detection.

 

Ok folks - I've removed all the old A/C components but am having the damndest time getting access to the evaporator core.

I have to be missing something. Anyone know how to open that assembly up to remove the evaporator?

Thanks

 

Nevermind! Got it out. I guess after 35 years plastic parts get pretty stuck together...

Ok - time for coffee break.

 

I have converted 3 older systems from R-12 to a product called "Hot Shot". No need to change any thing , just evacuate the system, purge with nitrogen , reevacuate and fill with Hot Shot. Unlike a R134 conversion which will lower you system's cappacity to cool by 15% or more, the Hot Shot improves the capacity by about 10%.

 

Only issue with this is you can't go get 12oz cans of it, you have to get a 25 gallon tank of it, unless you have an AC buddy that can hook you up. It's definitely a valid option though, just never seen it on a store shelf...unless i don't know where to look lol.

 

hey all, any idea if a/c suction hoses come without the spring lock and just a bolt on each end like OEM? seems i can only find the spring lock one and it won’t attach to the accumulator.

 

Did that $5000 estimate come with another bronco under the ac system?

 

SHE BLOWS COLD! Got the A/C working thanks to everyone's help here. All in cost for parts, $600 and about a 6 pack of beer for time. What a fun project too - way better than spending $5000 to the mechanic up the road 🤪.

Now it's time to think about upgrading the exhaust system to get a little rumble out of her.

Thanks again!