A/C (R134) on '57 Imperial

[Philippe Courant <accf-club@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi,
Ther's already a ton of messages about conversions R12 - R134 (see 
http://www.imperialclub.com/Repair/Air/refit.htm) so i don't need an 
advise or "if it works" but just a fact:

what should be the filling charge with R134 if my '57 FSM says 3 pounds 
(of R12)  ?

I've charge the system with 134 (yes, i've change oil with lot of 
problem: need to remove the V2 compressor oil sump and had after a lot 
of leaks with "home made" gasket. Bought one new from 
CollectorsAutoSupply, no leaks now .. I've also put correct fittings, 
new drier and .. that's all !). I've put around 2 1/4 pounds (someone 
said that you must charge to 75 - 80 % of the old R12 charge), the 
system works but the air is not very cold, just refreshed...
Not sure if the system will last long (rubber hoses ?) but the "red 
necks" at meeting are on their as.. when i say "yes, in 1957, US cars 
had A/C and it still works .."
In France we've now A/C cars, yes, since .. 10 or 15 years !!! So when 
you say that a fifty years car have AC they don't believe you (until 
they see the compressor..)

I also understand why convertibles have been "killed" by A/C. Today, 90° 
F (very hot for France !), driving in town, so i kept my (soft)top up 
and put A/C on ...

-- 

Philippe COURANT (Pau, France)- Webmaster des sites ACCF et C-I-F
Imperial 1957 Crown convertible
Buick 1996 Roadmaster wagon

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