Guest rsmalling Posted March 28, 2012 Share Posted March 28, 2012 (edited) I'm in the process of going through my engine and detailing the engine compartment. As is always the case, I find myself wanting to do anything else that might bug me while the engine is out. I have decided I want to go through the AC and heating system. Ive got all the lines and hoses out and want all new ones made up. Also my STV needs to be gone through. I want to keep it all original. I don't want to go with the upgrade cycling clutch part that some venders are selling. Im looking at these guys Classic Auto Air - Air Conditioning & Heating for 70’s & Older Cars & Trucks.to go through the STV and possible make up the lines and hoses. Have any of you used them? Do we have a member here that does a great job in this area? Im also going to have MY compressor gone through and replace the drier as well. My system is clean and has been working till about 8months ago till the front comp seal gave it up. One thing Im undecided about is staying with R 12 or converting to 134. Any comments or opinions would be great. Sorry for the long post. Edited March 28, 2012 by rsmalling (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Rob J Posted March 28, 2012 Share Posted March 28, 2012 From what I've heard, you can't go wrong with those guys. They will be doing my entire system as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JZRIV Posted March 28, 2012 Share Posted March 28, 2012 (edited) I've used Classic Auto Air on 3 different occasions. 2 for rebuilt compressors and one time sending all components for testing and cleaning because the system had been left open for many years. I was 100% happy with the communication (read; willingness to answer all questions on phone)and quality of service.Its been several years but hearing from another person who used them recently, the service is still the same.If you want to maintain originality they are about the only one stop shop and as far as I know are the only ones who will rebuild your original compressor right here in the states. I even had them rebuild my original receiver/dryer and the cost was nearly the same as buying a new one that didn't quite match in appearance. to give you an idea on their level of service I requested that they did not disturb the original label on the compressor nor the Yellow Buick OK Test stamp when they rebuilt the compressor. They carefully masked around those items and the compressor came back looking new with original labeling intact.There is a vendor in the Riview classifieds who advertises A/C hose duplication but I haven't used them.Stay with R12 all the way. The price of it has dropped since demand fell off and its easily obtainable so compared to say 15 or 20 years ago, there is no reason to switch to 134. There are mixed reviews with the performance of 134A. I think part of it may be dependant on how hot the climate gets (load on system) where the car is located. You are correct in staying with the original design STV. Edited March 28, 2012 by JZRIV (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest rsmalling Posted March 28, 2012 Share Posted March 28, 2012 (edited) Thank you Rob and Jason. I was leaning toward the R 12. I'm going to give them a call today and get the ball rolling. I was looking at several vendors but I was hoping to find one place that does this kind of work all the time. CAA looks good, glad you have used them, and can recommend them. heres a link to more AC pics:pAC line 65 Riviera pictures by rsmalling - Photobucket Edited March 28, 2012 by rsmalling (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest rsmalling Posted March 29, 2012 Share Posted March 29, 2012 Called up CAA this morning and the prices were more than fair. My AC parts are now on the road to Tampa FL! Jason you were right on the price of R12, big drop even here in Ca, I can get a 30 lb tank for about $140. talked to my supplier today. Of course thats way more than Ill need, but Ill do a few recharges for some Customers that are still running R12. The one lb cans here cost about $14 with a $10 core charge per can! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Rob J Posted March 29, 2012 Share Posted March 29, 2012 Is it even legal to buy and/or sell R12? My 87 Grand National is still running it's original from factory R12. The AC system in that car has never had to be serviced. Still blows cold. But then again, I've only got a tick over 16k miles on her. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest rsmalling Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 Must be legal Rob, I dont know any of the legal details though. I think the main thing is to have a recovery tank so you dont release any refridgerent into the open air. I stopped doing AC work when 134 first came out, I was busy doing other kinds of work and didn't want to be bothered converting systems over to 134. That was the big rage at the time. Now that Im getting ready to do my rivi the price is the same for R12 and R134a.....Go figure. :confused:Side note, yesteday I was doing some work for one of my friends a 2000 maxima, and his compressor clutch is going bad, so Im going to replace his compressor and drier, evac and recharge, this system takes 134, so Im going to get a little practice in and recoup some of my investment on replacing my AC tools that I stupidly sold years ago........I should know better than to ever sell a tool...........Those GNs are great cars. I remember when they first came out. I wanted one BAD! You B lucky to have one man! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JZRIV Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 To purchase legally you have to be EPA certified by passing a test. With the age of ebay and craigslist internet sales as well as swap meets, it is extremely difficult for the EPA to police those who re-sale R12. Often sellers on ebay will have in their description that by buying this product you are signing that you have proper certification.......but there is no requirement to show the certification. So its its kind of a half hearted attempt to release the seller from liability which I doubt would hold up if the Elite Super Power EPA came after them.The whole program was a farse anyway based on questionable data that R12 was making the hole in the ozone bigger. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest rsmalling Posted June 21, 2012 Share Posted June 21, 2012 here are some shots of some of the AC Componets as they are going back in. Im very pleased with the high quality of work on the lines and hoses, Im sure once I get the compressor in it to will be fine. Pics show my vac hose replacement and color code as per the buick shop manual. I also dialed in the heat and AC Control not pictured, it was all froze up and needed to get lubed up and cleaned up. :eek:http://i657.photobucket.com/albums/uu294/rsmalling/65%20Rivi%20GS%20Engine%20Overhaul/65%20Rivi%20Center%20Console/Centerconsole/centerconsolerightsideunderdashEC006.jpghttp://i657.photobucket.com/albums/uu294/rsmalling/65%20Rivi%20GS%20Engine%20Overhaul/65%20Rivi%20Center%20Console/Centerconsole/centerconsolerightsideunderdashEC009.jpghttp://i657.photobucket.com/albums/uu294/rsmalling/65%20Rivi%20GS%20Engine%20Overhaul/65%20Rivi%20Center%20Console/Centerconsole/centerconsolerightsideunderdashEC007.jpghttp://i657.photobucket.com/albums/uu294/rsmalling/65%20Rivi%20GS%20Engine%20Overhaul/65%20Rivi%20Center%20Console/Centerconsole/centerconsolerightsideunderdashEC012.jpghttp://i657.photobucket.com/albums/uu294/rsmalling/65%20Rivi%20GS%20Engine%20Overhaul/65%20Rivi%20Center%20Console/Centerconsole/centerconsolerightsideunderdashEC008.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Kingoftheroad Posted June 21, 2012 Share Posted June 21, 2012 (edited) To make things easier down the line, I upgraded my 64s ac system to 134 and seems to get plenty cold. Plus, I converted the STV & replaced all the hoses & other components I could find replacements for... Didn't want to take any chances of something in the system breaking down once I got it all back together... Edited June 21, 2012 by Kingoftheroad (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest rsmalling Posted June 21, 2012 Share Posted June 21, 2012 I hear ya King, Im going with the R 12 But I have had all the other parts rebuilt, expansion valve, STV, all the lines and hoses, Drier, muffler, compressor. I want no problems. My Evap and Condenser are still in great shape. The AC in this car was all orig and still worked fine when I started all this, so it was a clean system to start with. No wasted compressor sending metal everywhere thank goodness. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fast_dave Posted July 1, 2012 Share Posted July 1, 2012 There are a quite a few sellers on ebay that have 12oz cans for sale that have been sitting on their shelves.The average price is around $44 a can - click "buy it now" option for a true price reflection.The good thing about the cans is that they are SEALED, and you know that's what you are buying - virgin r12 (as opposed to recollected r12 from old refrigerators). I've heard stories that the 30lb canisters on ebay can be re-filled with used/dirty/not filtered refrigerator r12.With some sellers, after you buy the 12oz cans, you sign a "blanket" statement that says you are certified for r12 use before they ship ;-)Hope that helps -fast_dave in the PRK Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now