i read that if you discharge your freon system you can buy a r 134 conversion kit and it will work? is this true??

This is true but converting an R12 to R134 system requires some work.
-All the rubber o-rings need to be changed.
-The oil in the system needs to be drained/ flushed and switched.
-The fill fitting(s) need to be swapped to the 134 type.
-Change the receiver / drier to a 134 type unit. (added per Charlie's note below)

In the end you will find that an R12 system converted to R134 does not blow as cold as it did using R12. This may be OK if your R12 system blew real cold to began with but if it was marginal on R12, it will be even worse when using R134
DD

where can i buy all this stuff? and thanks for your help doc.

Doc, It is recommended to change the "O" rings, but not required. Remember the seals and "O" rings in the compressor, are made of the same material. If you install new "O" rings, make sure they are for 134a. Also change the reciever / drier, to one that is compatable with 134a. The biggest problem for the "backyard" mechanic, is using a vacumm pump to remove the air from the system, prior to charging with refrigerant.

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Charrlie_S
65 Valiant 100 2dr post 170 turbo
66 Valiant Signet 170 nitrous
64 Valiant Signet
64 Valiant 4dr 170
64 Valiant 4dr 225

is thier somewhere i could get all the air out at?? and do i have to get all the air out?

You can take your car to an AC shop once you are set up and have them vacuum the air out.

If you have the shop charge up the system for you this would be covered.

The people at Vintage Air can supply you with everything you need and can give you some advice on how to approach it.

http://www.vintageair.com

Also, I have been told that the R12 hoses are made of a different material than the 134a hoses.

I have not done this yet. It is another project that I have been planning, but haven't quite gotten around to.

Good luck,

John

I converted my '79 Volare a couple of years ago to R134. The compressor (Sanko) was shot so it made the decesion an easy one. If your compressor is still good you need to drain out the old oil. It is also a good idea to measure how much comes out. This will take about a day to drain. I also changed the filter/drier as this serves as a reservoir for the oil (R12 and R134 are not compatible with each other). I replaced the expansion valve. With the system opened up I use LOW pressure air and blew out as much oil as I could. I then installed all the new parts, took the car to a AC shop and had them evacuate and recharge the system. They also install the right amount of oil, a critical item; too much and it won't cool properly, to little and the compressor is not lubricated. You must evacuate (vacuum) the system for it to work properly. I did not change the hoses and the system will crank down to 39 degrees.

I had a 68 Valiant that I converted from R12 to R134. I drained the oil and relplaced the dryer with one for R134. I even replaced the expansion valve. I even used the old Chrysler 2 cylinder compressor that was on the car. The only probelm I had with it after the conversion was the windows fogging up on the outside at night while I was sitting at a red light.

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Former bent 6 owner
Mark