R12 to Freeze 12 conversion

[mustvid]

I want to convert the AC on my 92 and 93 stangs to Freeze 12. From what I read, it is better than r134a and cheaper than R12. Can I just put the stuff in or do I need to vacuum the system and does it need new valves?

I did research this on the web and that is why I am a liittle confused about the process.

Do AC shops sell Freeze 12 or do I need to supply it? Is the internet the best place to buy it or can I get it locally?

[slow84lx]

I would rethink that idea. Freeze 12 will work but in my not so expert opinion is not the best choice. I put it in my '84 and it didn't work for long...it could be because of the original compressor too. My choice would be R12 or do a thorough conversion to R134a. After pricing a true conversion you might find that purchasing R12 is a better alternative.

[stephen4785]

You can get locally from Chandlers auto or Napa sometimes has it. there's no conversion to run it. Just have a vacuum on the system and charge it with freeze 12. Some guys dont like the stuff but some do. personally I dont think tube style condensers(which is on every r12 car) work very well and should be updated to a parallel flow condenser and the system converted to r134a. The systems Iv done like that have blown colder than the factory r12 ever did. Iv shot freeze 12 into systems and it's worked fine. You have to have an IMAACA 609 certification to buy it locally so you'll need to get the certification or find someone who does( i do btw).
Will it work? Yes, but freeze 12 leaks out of the system faster than r12 or r134a.
Let me know if you need someone to do it or convert your system to r134a properly.

[Rotortrash]

I've used freeze 12 before and it does cool, but not as good as r12. It didn't cost me much to convert my 92 to 134, correctly. I even installed a parallel flow condenser. I just finished it in October, so I haven't used it in the heat of the summer, but its looking like it's going to be a very good AC system. I would recommend doing it this way, and be done. Using freeze 12 would only be a temporary fix IMHO.

I've never worked with stephen4785, but he's got a good rep around here for AC work. I got some of my info from his posts while doing my swap. Thanks Stephen!

[mustvid]

You can get locally from Chandlers auto or Napa sometimes has it. there's no conversion to run it. Just have a vacuum on the system and charge it with freeze 12. Some guys dont like the stuff but some do. personally I dont think tube style condensers(which is on every r12 car) work very well and should be updated to a parallel flow condenser and the system converted to r134a. The systems Iv done like that have blown colder than the factory r12 ever did. Iv shot freeze 12 into systems and it's worked fine. You have to have an IMAACA 609 certification to buy it locally so you'll need to get the certification or find someone who does( i do btw).
Will it work? Yes, but freeze 12 leaks out of the system faster than r12 or r134a.
Let me know if you need someone to do it or convert your system to r134a properly.

I didn't realize I needed a license to buy Freeze 12. How much do you charge to do a 134A conversion? I have a 92 coupe and 93 Cobra that need this done.


Can you charge both with R12 too? How hard is it to pass the test for the license?

[JimD]

I didn't realize I needed a license to buy Freeze 12. How much do you charge to do a 134A conversion? I have a 92 coupe and 93 Cobra that need this done.


Can you charge both with R12 too? How hard is it to pass the test for the license?

Test is easy.

[TorchRedStang]

I didn't realize I needed a license to buy Freeze 12. How much do you charge to do a 134A conversion? I have a 92 coupe and 93 Cobra that need this done.


Can you charge both with R12 too? How hard is it to pass the test for the license?

You can buy Freeze 12 on e-bay pretty cheap. I think I bought 6 cans for $50 shipped. It works well I think and is easy to change over from R12. At some point I would like to have Stephen do the full conversion but I am happy with it for now.

[stephen4785]

I didn't realize I needed a license to buy Freeze 12. How much do you charge to do a 134A conversion? I have a 92 coupe and 93 Cobra that need this done.


Can you charge both with R12 too? How hard is it to pass the test for the license?

It was $15 when i took it(2004) so Im sure the cost is around the same.The test isnt that hard. I usually charge around $200 to do the conversion and it includes-
flushing all metal lines with solvent
Replacing all o-rings
removing compressor, draining old oil, and flushing new oil into it
blowing out all rubber hoses
replacing accumulator
replacing orifice tube
pulling a vacuum on the system and charging
adding dye and leak checking the system.
If I replace the condenser it only ads $20 to the total. A shop usaully charges around $700-1000 for the same service.

http://www.epa.gov/ozone/title6/609/technicians/609certs.html

Their site sucks so I dont know where the test info is.

[mustvid]

It was $15 when i took it(2004) so Im sure the cost is around the same.The test isnt that hard. I usually charge around $200 to do the conversion and it includes-
flushing all metal lines with solvent
Replacing all o-rings
removing compressor, draining old oil, and flushing new oil into it
blowing out all rubber hoses
replacing accumulator
replacing orifice tube
pulling a vacuum on the system and charging
adding dye and leak checking the system.
If I replace the condenser it only ads $20 to the total. A shop usaully charges around $700-1000 for the same service.

http://www.epa.gov/ozone/title6/609/technicians/609certs.html

Their site sucks so I dont know where the test info is.

Thanks, I just sent you a PM before reading this. The $200 is for labor. How much will the parts cost?

[kingjason]

You can get locally from Chandlers auto or Napa sometimes has it. there's no conversion to run it. Just have a vacuum on the system and charge it with freeze 12. Some guys dont like the stuff but some do. personally I dont think tube style condensers(which is on every r12 car) work very well and should be updated to a parallel flow condenser and the system converted to r134a. The systems Iv done like that have blown colder than the factory r12 ever did. Iv shot freeze 12 into systems and it's worked fine. You have to have an IMAACA 609 certification to buy it locally so you'll need to get the certification or find someone who does( i do btw).
Will it work? Yes, but freeze 12 leaks out of the system faster than r12 or r134a.
Let me know if you need someone to do it or convert your system to r134a properly.

Yeah I just converted the Bronco to 134a and I really do not know why people fight this. LOL It works fantastic now I just need to put a better blower motor in.

[Jimbo]

I swapped my 85 c10 over to r134 after just a system flush/vacuum. No problems in over a year.

[Spector93]

Ive ran Freeze 12 for years now no prob and it gets cold in my 93

[Clifton]

I have two cans of r12 and 1.5 cans of freeze12 in one of my trucks. It has been fine for 4 years now. They mixed fine.

[JimD]

Side note, anyone notice the increase of 134 over last year, jesus christ...

[shumpertdavid]

Side note, anyone notice the increase of 134 over last year, jesus christ...

yep, got a notice from our supplier before Christmas saying there's a "shortage" and price was going up, did this a couple years ago if I remember correct. We went from selling at 7.95 lb to 14.95 lb already