Converting Original Under Dash ac Unit to R134a

I was wondering if a stock (dealer installed) under dash unit could be converted to run effectivley on R134a. I have All the original pieces, but I know the stock condensor and expansion/drier will not work with R134a.

So, Do you think I could build an efficient ac system using a newer style evaporator, evaporater and hoses running on R134a? My main concern is the stock evaporator coil not running efficiently on the new gas.

Im also kinda trying to do this on the cheap, So I'm looking into using late model stock components (ie suburban/explorer) for the condensor, expansion/drier and compresser.

-Jeff

p.s-sorry about all the posts this week

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Jeffhynes on 4/20/07 8:30am ]</font>

Jeff, The pros will shy away from this type of job for obvious reasons, but it CAN work. Where I work we have heavy equipment (loaders, offroad trucks and excavators) These have a similar simple AC system. All of them converted pretty easily. Most had lost charge. Conversion was a matter of removing the R12 and its lube. They fluched the evaporators and condensers with a special solvent, repaired any leaks and then vacuumed them down and installed the R134 lube and refrigerant.
[addsig]

Thanks for the reponse jwk. I know they have to change the oil to ester oil or something like that so I know it can be done.

I guess what I'm asking is can I make the thing cool well enough with the stock evaporator. I'm kinda worried that ill put a bunch of time and effort into this thing and it wont cool worth a damn.

I converted my '71 Torino to 134a. It blows super cold. 38 degrees at the vents in 100+ degree Texas weather.

All the components were stock, with the exception of the system 0-rings and the reman compressor that was equipped with r134 compatible seals.

Greg
[addsig]

Thats Awesome! I've read that you need to upgrade the condensor, but apparently it doesn't seem like its holding you back.

The condenser and compressor are shot anyways, So I figured I'd use later stuff designed for R134a.

(Btw, I have an older brother named Greg, and I know you have a brother named Jeff)

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Jeffhynes on 4/20/07 9:31am ]</font>

I have retro fitted many cars and I have personally found that you need an electric fan on the radiator to make 134a work in most old cars. It tends to make more head pressure. If the car did not work good with r12 it will work worse with 134a. I have not done a old under dash unit yet. I still have enough r12 for mine so My Galaxie will get r12 till I cant find any more.
[addsig]

I can see from the pic that it is indeed "air conditioned"