shtglouie

Hello everybody,

Finally the winter is over and my garage doesn't feel like an igloo anymore.

When I bought my corvette in October 2014, there was 3 things that was not working on it.

The last I need to fix now is the AC.
The ancient owner told me that there must be some leak somewhere in the system because when he reload the system the AC works for a few days only.

I know nothing about AC but I've seen some product in all the automotive shop that can seal the leaks.
Do they work?

I've seen that the system is an R-12. What does that mean?

Where should I start to fix this problem?

Thank you

Easy Mike

Take your car to any competent automotive AC shop and let them test the system. They will tell you what they find. R12 is still available only through certified HVAC professionals. You can continue to use the R12 or talk to the shop folks about converting to R134a.

Kris Tunetso

R12 is the refrigerant used by the system to cool the air. It's an older refrigerant that, as Easy Mike said, is now only available to certified HVAC professionals. Environmental regulations forced manufacturers to change to a newer refrigerant designated R134a. That is what is used today. Your old R12 system can be converted to R134a rather easily, and it's rather common to do so. Most people convert unless they have a readily available supply of R12.

I second Mike's suggestion: take it to an HVAC shop and ask them to test the system. They'll be able to tell you exactly what's wrong with it.

REELAV8R

Have them convert it to 134a while they are there. R12 is quite expensive and this will not be the last time you'll be charging your system.
It may cost a bit more now, but will save you money in the long run if you plan on owning it for a long time.

shtglouie

OK so I guess I'm going to try to find an AC shop not to far away.

Do you have any Idea of some good ones? Maybe some chains store that I can fin anywhere?

Do you have an idea of the price for changing from r12 to R134a? I don't want to pay more than the right price for it!

Kris Tunetso

I wouldn't deal with a chain place unless it was one that specialized in automotive HVAC work. Maybe it's unnecessary, but I have more confidence in people who only do 1 thing than people who do a dozen. However, I am spoiled in that where I live there are plenty of specialty shops so I don't really have to go to a generalist. You may not have that luxury.

Price will vary by location. Generally speaking, anything costs more on the coasts than it does in the midwest, for example. Major urban centers will probably have higher prices than a small-town shop.

Put your location information in your profile so people can see where you live. You may even find someone nearby who'd be willing to give you a hand with things. I've seen it plenty of times here.

shtglouie

Oh i though it was already online.
I live in connecticut near bridgeport.

I'll try to see if there is a shop around there.

I'll let you know what I found.

shtglouie

I found a place nearby where they do the conversion and the filling for about 275 dollars.

Do you think it's a good price?

REELAV8R

That sounds like a pretty decent price. I'm not certain as to the cost as I do all my own A/C work but even a vacuum down and recharge can run $200.

shtglouie

I was also wondering what is exactly the work for that conversion? Do they check and repair if necessary the old system (hose ect...)

Do they change everything in a conversion or just the compressor?

LB66383

If the system leaks as badly as you describe, then something will need to be replaced. It may be a bad hose, or it could be the condenser, or it could be the evaporator (very expensive as it is mounted in the dashboard). And if the system has been empty for awhile, they should also replace the receiver/dryer. Factor all these repairs into your budget. They, I'm sure, can't give you an estimate on this stuff until they see the car.

shtglouie

OK so I 'll just bring them the car as soon as the snow stop... probably next week!

REELAV8R

Filter dryer and maybe expansion valve at a minimum for replacement items.
Try to access what actually needs to be replaced through them and not what is just recommended to be replaced.

Then you can purchase those items yourself to mitigate cost and bring the car back.
But they will have to vacuum it down and see if it holds a vacuum and if not then fix that before they can put enough of a charge in to see if the compressor does or doesn't work.
If the compressor is not seized then it will likely work.
Condensers and evaporators usually don't fail but can spring a leak as well.
It can add up fast especially if the shop has a healthy mark up for components.
Your quote would only be for conversion and charge of a functional system most likely. The filter dryer should be included in that charge as it always has to be changed.

Kris Tunetso

If you find out you'll have to replace a lot of the components in order to get your AC working again you might consider installing a VintageAir system instead. They run between $1200 and $1400 for the full kit, but it's a better system than stock.

My 76 is missing several important components of the AC (compressor, condenser, and the VIR likely needs rebuilt) and I found that purchasing those parts, installing them and then having the system recharged would cost about the same as swapping to the VA kit. So, swapping is what I plan to do.

Just wanted to make you aware of the option.

roger3

Does air blow hard out of your vents with the AC blower on high?

My 76 had leaves and trash on the outside of the evaporator core and very little air would blow. I removed the AC box from the car and replaced the seals. You might want to check and fix this (if its needed) before you fix the AC system. To remove the evaporator you will want the AC hoses disconnected.

Roger

Ike27

I also have a 76.. and I kept R12. I do buy/service the system myself but R12 cools great in the stock GM system.

All the parts are avail to keep the existing system up and running!

shtglouie

Thank you for all your answer.

Do you know if there is somewhere I can find like a diagram of all the system so I can understand how it works?

I definitely cannot put 1400 dollars for the moment.

where the leak came from most of the time?

Is it easy to spot?

Roozstr

I own an Auto repair shop and am a certified HVAC specialist. I just finished sealing leaks on my 73. I will charge it with R12. Although R134a will work, in a stock system R12 will cool better. Now if you upgrade the compressor, install a parallel flow condenser and replace all the hoses with barrier hose...........but that can be spendy.