Lawrence- Randall's post was right on the money...sounds like low refrigerant. Check the sight glass in the receiver-dryer for bubbles while the system is running (clutch engaged). The receiver-dryer is located on the passenger side fender-just follow the AC lines to it. You may have to clear dirt away from the top fitting to see the sight glass. Here are the common leak points for a 318 AC system: fittings on the expansion valve at the firewall, fittings on the receiver-dryer, condenser, and the dreaded evaporator. Over the years, I've had a number of 318 Mopars and every one of them has had leaks in those places. The condensers have usually failed in the same place: look for oil/dirt accumulation at the bottom front of the condenser on the passenger side. I have one to replace on my 86 Fifth Ave right now. One other source of leaks: the hoses. While 35 year old hoses hold just fine, some of the mid-eighties hoses have leaked R-12. Hoses will be softer than normal and covered with refrigerant oil and dirt...don't know why. Leaks must be fixed sooner or later...the only vehicle that I successfully maintained with a "can a year habit" was a 90 Dakota. It had a very small leak in the evaporator that started when it was about five years old. That went on for about 5 years until the evaporator failed completely. That's rare and I suggest you be prepared to spend some $ if you want AC. Once the faulty component is identified and replaces along with the receiver-dryer, a conversion to R-134 is probably the best way to go. Phil Brust 73 & 82 Imperial With 13 lbs of R-12 still left...