A/C completely rebuilt...R12 or 134????

[sblake01]

The main problem you'd run into there is mounting the center mounted evaporator used in the 280Z in a 240Z.

[Carl Beck]

The main problem you'd run into there is mounting the center mounted evaporator used in the 280Z in a 240Z.

...... because the 280Z dash is deeper... Many people have simply used the 280Z dash along with the 280Z evap..

Another option is to use the Vintage Air units inside the car.

FWIW,

Carl B.

[Carl Beck]

If the R 12 molecules are larger, you explained that it is more appropriate for a rubber hose system. Am I right?

Right - for the older style R-12 A/C rubber hoses. The do make rubber hose that is lined, or shielded that will contain the R134a

I still believe that my best option is still R 12. Do you agree?

Yes - for the system as you outlined it, I'd stay with R12. Freeze 12 May

[sblake01]

Freeze 12 actually works a little better than R12 and uses about 10% by volume to achieve it's optimum cooling, contains no hydrocarbons or CFC's (like most of the other R12 alternatives do) but the most compelling reason I can give for using it besides the fact that I have two vehicles I've used it in for over three years with no problems is the price. 30lb. R12-$700-800, 30lb Freeze 12-$135-150.

On the subject of hoses, I replace them with the modern type lined hoses that Carl mentions but I also get rid of the barb/hose clamp arrangement that the old aftermarket systems used regardless of the refrigerant I use. I have a hose crimper and use crimp fittings rather than that older style. Most of the leaks I've ever detected in the old aftermarket systems were at the fitting rather than along the hose itself.

[Carl Beck]

Sorry . . . power went out... and the UPS was screaming.... so had to shut down...

I started to say.... Freeze 12 May Be a good alternative - I'd have to take Stephen's word for it, as I have never tried it. I also agree on having/using crimped fittings, if you have a good Hydraulic Hose shop around (they usually handle A/C hoses as well as all high pressure hoses) - they can easily make-up any hoses, with any fittings you need.

Stephen - same oil for R12 and/or Freeze 12?

FWIW,

Carl

[jonathanrussell]

Carl,

With the Vintage air system in a 240z, what happens to the manual / cable operated vent / heat controls?

[sblake01]

Stephen - same oil for R12 and/or Freeze 12?

Yes, same oil. But it will work with mineral, ester, or PAG so it could be used to replace R12 or R134a. They say it will work without a flush but I never retrofit a system without flushing it first.

[WDILL]

Vintage air

Carl,

Did you place the Super Cooler III behind the das where the original heater box was?

Where did you place the controls for the Vintage system?

I'm using the same system in the restoration of my 1970 240Z, VIN 3435.

[cali260Z]

sorry to have to dig up this thread, and im it will get not sure if it will here and get shuffled back to front of the line.

Ok i did a search

and this thread popped up, my 260Z has a/c but its not pumping ANY cold air. The compressor is in fact turning and the clutch is engaged. I can see in the sight glass there is "something" going thru the sys but im not sure how much.

should i change out the dryer and put 134A?

should i try to find Freeze12 and add that?? ( i dont think i need a 30 lb bottle tho)

and then after doing all that how do i know that the compressor isnt shot?

please help give some me a direction to go in with my 260

Thanks Kevin

[sblake01]

Slow down a bit before you start changing out components and refrigerants. First you'd need to determine what type of refrigerant is presently in the system. Second you'd have to figure out why the volume is low. You have enough refrigerant to run the comperssor but not enough to cool. You really should take it to an AC shop and have them connect gauges to it and read the pressures. Unless you have the skills and equipment to work on it a shop would be the best alternative. You can't buy most refrigerants unless you have a license other than 134a. If you read the rest of this thread then you already know how I feel about putting 134a in a R12 system but it's your car.......

Edited April 22, 2009 by sblake01

[golgo13]

Hello-

I agree with Stephan completely.

Carl: You mentioned several msg ago that "Many people have simply used the 280Z dash along with the 280Z evap"

Who are the "Many people"? I'd really like to see pics and talk to them please.

[cali260Z]

thanks for the quik response sblake I'm going to take it over to the shop today after work.I would preffer to use the freeze12 but I can't find it down here in San diego but I will search a bit more.fromwhat I've read this far it's better to change out your dryer if you have switch over to 134a and then change the oil in the compressor. Then recharge the system. I will see what shop has to say today