Switching from R12 to R134 Freon, 84 911

[konahic]

Does anyone have any experience up dating/switching a 84 911 from R12 to R134 Freon? Used to be you could buy R12 for $1 a can, now its nonexistent. The AC on my car isn't working so I thought I might as well update at the same time.
Many thanks, Kurt

[blucille]

R12 is still available from a few suppliers, even in the state of CA. I’d recommend you seek it out. It will work more effectively and efficiently in your car.

Should you decide to swap to R134, you should replace all the rubber hoses with barrier hoses or else you’ll probably need to top off the refrigerant more often. And you’ll lose some of the cooling capabilities of the system.

I’ve got two cars. My 72 still runs r12. H as vent had to top it up in 6 years. But probably soon. And my 83, I replaced all the lines with barrier hoses, added condensers in the rear quarter panel and it cools ok. And holds the charge weigh 134. It was a much more expensive project than getting the 73 to cool with r12 (I paid $100 per pound in California )

[Michael7810]

I installed the Griffith's kit in my 85; everything is new except the rear condenser. Just got it charged up this week with 134 and it works great so far but it's not really hot yet in Phoenix. Supposed to hit 106F next week and I'll see how it cools then. I have to say the parts, packaging, instructions, etc were all excellent quality and it was pretty easy to install...but not inexpensive.

[targa80]

Around 2012, I converted my factory ac from r12 to r134a and it lasted a while before the Black Death killed it. Last year, I installed the Classic Restoration Electrocooler in my 80SC. The system is a major change from the belt driven system and can be DIY project. I would suggest you do a search on threads related to the install of the Electrocooler and the Griffin system. My personal opinion is just doing the conversion of the old R12 system to use R134a will in the end fail. Just saying from personal experience.

[tailwind22]

As blucille says, if you look hard enough R12 is out there. We have a restoration/hot rod shop in town that can recharge. However, if you have mechanical issues with the system and will be replacing parts it probably makes sense to convert to R134. I've had a couple of 911s that were factory AC cars that were converted without updating to barrier hoses and they both would lose freon throughout the season. I acquired an 84 that the PO had done the Griffith full meal deal and it blows ice without any freon loss. Because I was so impressed with that system I recently replaced all of AC components in my 88 Carrera. Big job, just takes time. Good luck.

[konahic]

Many thanks to all your for words of wisdom. I will do my research & then try to decide what makes the most sense. I usually don't use the AC, but it is a big help when using the defroster.
This is the kind of stuff that makes forums so great.
Kurt

[Peter M]

I've had two 3.2's. Converted one to R134a with all the trimmings of new barrier hoses, triary switch etc and converted the second over to a hydrocarbon refrigerant with only half the usual upgrades.

The second conversion performs better and was cheaper than the first 134a conversion.

I used Hychill Minus 30 which only requires about 30% of the former fluorocarbon refrigerant and runs at much lower pressures . More details here: https://hychill.com.au/en/products/minus-30

I'm sure you would have a local equivalent and suggest it is well worth considering.

[Tremelune]

There's never been a 911 I couldn't defrost with heat and maybe a window cracked for a minute...

[GH85Carrera]

Originally Posted by Tremelune

There's never been a 911 I couldn't defrost with heat and maybe a window cracked for a minute...

Maybe so but running the heater on a hot and humid day really sucks.

My Griffin’s system keeps me cool in the worst conditions. High 90s and 90 plus humidity and cool inside.

Certainly replace all the hoses before recharging, even if you can find some R-12. I can go for years and not need to top off my Griffith's system.