Has anyone used/installed the Santech Retrofit kit for their A/C RG12 to 134 Conversion? (AUTOZONE) I have a Stock A/C kit in my 72 Lark. I pulled the unit out and want to re install my A/C. I had a friend who went to NAPA and just bought a seal conversion kit and now he gets cold air in his 67 Lark. After installing the kit would the A/C Pro refrigerant CAN work? (KIT) In the instructions it states the compressor has to turn to pull in new coolant. Mine is bone dry since its been removed so I don't think it's going to activate. ---OR am I going the wrong direction with this. I recharged my 98 Wrangler and it was a piece of cake. What is needed to convert? Thanks in advance.
OR am I going the wrong direction with this In a word, YES. Those kits were actually designed to retrofit R12 systems that developed leaks around the time of the change between R12 and R134a. Their "premise" assumes a system that was working recently. R12 prices soared then and there were a lot of 2-10 year old R12 cars still on the road in daily use. They were a passable quick fix for used cars. Today, the very newest R12 vehicles are approaching 20 years old and the ac systems have likely been long dead and open to the atmosphere for many years. 40 years and exposure to air add many issues to consider when resurrecting your 72's AC system. -Early (approx 1978 and back) GM systems with A6 compressors, POA, VIR etc. valving like yours take a bit of work to convert successfully . At the VERY least, the A6 compressor has an oil sump like a small engine. It would need to be drained, flushed and filled with the oil for R134a. (Sumpless compressors have been the norm for so long that even most Pro Techs don't know that). Even with that, the performance would likely be sub-par if all you did was use a conversion kit. No matter what, you need to have access to a vacuum pump to pull a hard vacuum on the system before you charge it, in addition to finding/fixing the leak that caused the refrigerant loss way back when. The kits mention this in the directions, though it's often buried in small print. If you don't do this you're throwing money away and running the risk of damaging the compressor. Many guys do all of the wrench work on the system then have a shop evacuate and charge the system for around $100. There's much more to consider if you want to fix the AC system on your 72. I would be happy to write up a step-by-step if you're interested, but if you do a search of this forum there's a ton of good info about exactly what you want to do. By the way, as far as AC PRO, don't even think about it. It's very nicely packaged snake oil. It's some R134a with a bunch of additives that may or may not help and some PAG oil, coupled to a whiz bang official looking (cheap chinese) gauge that you have some control over. The main ingredient is Marketing $$$ which help pull $$$ from your pocket.
Thank you for the reply. IS their a more productive way to convert A/C systems? I think I went to Vintage air's web site and similar pages but it seems like Buick never gets any love from aftermarket companies.
If by "more productive" you mean cheaper, not really. Repairing an AC system is much like building a motor. Shortcuts can be costly or lead to disappointment. Repairing your Factory system is preferable to replacing it with an aftermarket system, but thats strictly my opinion. I usually recommend that you budget $800-1000 to do it correctly, then be happy if the final cost comes out to less. On a long dormant system, the steps needed to convert to R134a are also many of the steps needed just to repair the system properly. Here's a basic rundown: -Visually inspect all components for damage, corrosion, etc. -Test and calibrate any metering devices (POA, STV, Expansion Valve,...) -Replace any damaged, corroded, degraded parts (rubber lines, corroded pipes, bad valves,...) -Reseal or replace the compressor. -Replace the cooling fan clutch with a Hayden HD unit (Yes, this is an important step) -Completely solvent flush the system. -Reassemble the system with new seals or orings as applicable. -Replace the receiver/dryer. (It's a wear item, like an oil filter). -Add the correct amount of oil to the system or compressor crankcase. -Evacuate, charge and leak test . There are other considerations, but that's the basics. Other steps depend on what you find in the inspection, the condition of the air handler and electrical parts of the system, vehicle cooling system, your local climate if using R134a...the list could go on. You could just assemble, evacuate and recharge your system and make it "work". It takes a lot more to make it work really well and reliably for a long time. Aftermarket systems are fine, too. However, the cost for the kit and installation is usually higher than repairing the original. (On a non-AC car, aftermarket is absolutely the way to go.) They aren't bolt on, plug-and-play though. They take some fabricaring skills, knowledge and creativity to install correctly. You are correct, Buick doesn't get much love in the aftermarket arena. The systems for comparable Chevy vehicles will often fit with some persuasion. I think there are a few Buick specific systems available, search the forum and see what you find. Also, check Classic Auto Air and see what they have to offer. Hope this helps.
LSRX1 Thanks for the information. I am looking to put my A/C back in my 71 Wagon. I just put the firewall unit back in this fall. this Spring/summer I will be putting the rest back on. Where would be the best place to get parts, IE receiver/ dryer. Seal kit etc Tim
Sorry for the delayed response, I don't get email responses to posts for some reason. Classic Auto Air in Tampa, FL is a great company to deal with. I've also had good experiences with Old Air Products for some hard to find parts. Tom
