R-12 to R-134 conversion

[1991 Corvette ZR-1]

Guys, I did not want to start a separate thread for the same information but wanted to check if anyone has run one of these? Mine is toast and the ones from the Corvette parts suppliers are $500 or so.

https://www.partsgeek.com/gbproducts...kaAvqpEALw_wcB

I have had good results with other spectra products. Curious if anyone has used this. It beats $500+ for the next available options.

[bowtiguy]

Originally Posted by 1991 Corvette ZR-1

Guys, I did not want to start a separate thread for the same information but wanted to check if anyone has run one of these? Mine is toast and the ones from the Corvette parts suppliers are $500 or so.

https://www.partsgeek.com/gbproducts...kaAvqpEALw_wcB

I have had good results with other spectra products. Curious if anyone has used this. It beats $500+ for the next available options.

I have not run that unit from that supplier, but the ~$100 one from rock auto worked like a charm on my R12 91 NCRS car. I ordered the same one from rock auto (134a) to convert my current car over the winter. Some dealers wanted $500+ for a condensor. I cant imagine there is more than one supplier for these....

[1991 Corvette ZR-1]

Originally Posted by bowtiguy

I have not run that unit from that supplier, but the ~$100 one from rock auto worked like a charm on my R12 91 NCRS car. I ordered the same one from rock auto (134a) to convert my current car over the winter. Some dealers wanted $500+ for a condensor. I cant imagine there is more than one supplier for these....

Found it over on Parts Geek. A few bucks more but was in stock. Rock Auto has it but it?s listed a shipping delay because they needed to get it from the manufacturer first, then ship.

https://www.partsgeek.com/gbproducts...AaAoKmEALw_wcB

I hesitated buying it because paranoia kicked in and thought what if the threads are not the same or the angle of the tubes are off. But for the price, I will see what it looks like. Worst case, I will just have to return it. I also picked up the drier/accumulator kit they had for a decent price.

https://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/19...iver_drier_kit

So if this condenser works like the original, I have to wonder what the extra $400 goes to on the condensers offered by suppliers like Ecklers. Both are probably made in the same factory.

[1991 Corvette ZR-1]

MattB recommended PAO 68 oil so I got some from the Super Cool brand. Then I found this with UV dye after the fact. Anyone running this? I hate that I did not look longer at the products, otherwise I would have got this with the dye in it for tracking leaks.

https://supercool.ac/product/pao-68-...-uv-dye-quart/

[Matt B]

Sorry, I could have mentioned... But you can add some in case of a leak. The manufacturer recommends a certain percentage blend anyway instead of pure dye type oil (which however should work according to their website).

Sent from my SM-G991B using ZR-1 Net Registry mobile app

[1991 Corvette ZR-1]

Originally Posted by Matt B

Sorry, I could have mentioned... But you can add some in case of a leak. The manufacturer recommends a certain percentage blend anyway instead of pure dye type oil (which however should work according to their website).

Sent from my SM-G991B using ZR-1 Net Registry mobile app

Hi Matt, no worries as I did not think of it and I have seen it mentioned before adding the dye. I can pick some up no problem after the fact and add in. The condenser, accumulator and orifice tube are shipped. Also waiting for hi/low gauges and lines to show up along with vacuum pump. I picked up a few other little things. Pretty sure my system is completely flat as the air blowing out the vents is outside air temp and I have a decent leak off one of the condenser connections. Guess I will know when I hook up gauges to check.

[dredgeguy]

When I purchased my 92 Z in 2012 it had already been converted to R-134 but many in Wazoo still using R-12. I was at our local cars and coffee Sunday and this guy drives up and tapes up signs for R-12 for sale. I was the first to make a move and made a package deal for the whole lot. New sealed 30lb container plus 19 cans of R-12. Wazoo is now set for a long time. Was in the right place at the right time! After putting the goodies in my car must have been approached by a dozen guys asking me to sell them a few cans. Sorry but they are for my guys!