R12 was also "safe" until about a year before the patent expired - then it became extremely toxic - gee, I wonder why...
For ease and simplicity, I'd recommend the R134a conversion. Find an A/C shop that uses a "universal" oil for the system to eliminate compatability issues - aside from valves, once the old R12 is evaculated, filling with R134a and the universal oil is all that's required for the conversion. The evacuation/fill process for R134a takes about 20 minutes - 15 minutes to evacuate the system and 5 minutes to fill it. FWIW, we converted the Rabbit diesel last summer (didn't even change the dryer bottle or seals) - even today it's the coldest a/c unit I've encountered AND the compressor doubles as a speedbrake. Earlier this week we converted the 16v Scirocco using 2 valves, a dryer bottle and one additional O-ring - it's nice and cool now even for a black car in the DC heat!! > From: Les Noriel <[email protected]> > Darn environmentalists make this so difficult. R12 used to cost > $1.50 per > pint. Its now $300 per pint while across the border in Tijuana, its > still > $1.50. R134 Conversion kit from the dealer cost $400! > > I am exploring the possibility of using Frig-C instead of R-134. > R134 > requires evacuation from a licensed shop for a minumum of 30 > minutes. Also, > the oil used in traditional R12 is incompatible with R134. Higher > internal > pressures of R134 compared to R12 makes leaks more probable in our > aging AC > systems too. > > >From what I have been able to gather, Frig-C is an approved > alternative to > R12 and R134. IT is compatible with R12 oil and existing R12 class > evaporators. You still have to change the fittings as required by > law. And > there are automobile kits available. I dont' know what they cost > yet and I > have yet to find a local dealer. I have only found cases of Frig-C > online > and distributors indicate they have automobile conversion kit for > dealers > only. > > What I have determined so far is that it would take 3 pint cans, a > can of > lubricating oil, and the conversion fittings from R12 to Frig-C. If > that is > all it takes, it should not cost very much and I should be able to > perform > this in my garage. > > I am searching for a local dealer. Anyone know more about this > process? __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Yahoo! - Official partner of 2002 FIFA World Cup http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com
