Where to get AC recharged

[Matt V]

I have an original R12 car, never been converted and I need to add some freon to the system. I have 2 cans of R12 so that solves that problem, but I need a place that can recharge it for me and replace the o-rings at the same time. Can anyone help me?

[jrj512]

Any AC shop can do it. R12 is not hard to come by (at AC shops) and it is now about the same price as R32.

I use Joe's Radiator and AC Service at 200 N. East St. in Arlington.

[Rob®]

When did R12 get popular again? When I worked at a shop that did AC work years ago, it was near impossible to get...back in 2002. And the price was insane. The AC tech would do complete R134a conversions for less than the cost to recharge an R12 system. And you needed a license to even have R12 (in NJ, so TX might be different?), so we would turn people away that brought their own. Have I been out of the AC loop that long??

EDIT: The good thing I remember from when you needed a license was that you could get your AC system ASE online in a matter of minutes, so you really didn't *need* to go through a professional to get it.

[luis]

do you really need a/c right now? :P

[onething]

do you really need a/c right now? :P

Works really well to pull the excess moisture out of the air and off the inside of all the windows inside the car. In most modern cars, anytime you hit the defroster, the AC compressor is automatically engaged.

[sxk122]

i too have my own r12, but need my system checked, and possible the equivalent of stop leak dumped into it, as i loose my charge over an 18 month span

[Nails]

I've got about 23 lbs of r12 if anyone's interested in buying it. Make me a reasonable offer of cash or trade.

[trickyrix]

I've used this guy near SMU. He'll check for leaks, fix them if you want, and probably recharge with your own freon. Good dude and pretty reasonable.

Graham Auto Air Conditioning
629 SMU Boulevard
Dallas, TX 75206-5017
(214) 361-5583

[Flyin96M]

The EPA requires you to have a license to buy r12, but yes it really is pretty easy to get and back when I did it the test was online. In 1995 R12 freon production ceased in the US and it became illegal to import it. At that time the supply became limited to what was already on hand and what was recovered from existing systems. I believe the current price is around $30 a pound but that is just based on a quick search.

I'm sure you can find a shop to recharge your system with your freon, but you really need the temps to be in the upper 60's to 70's in order to get the system fully charged. Honestly I would look at doing a retrofit so the next time you need work done it is a much less costly experience. At one time I heard McCain's did good work, but that was a while back.

[Radio-Active]

The test is still available online. just look up for MVAC EPA section 609. You can also get the HVAC EPA test Section 608 for small appliances(i.e. R22) online as well.

[sxk122]

if i remember correctly R12 is more efficient, so if you retrofit your system won't work quite as well.....

[Matt V]

I found 2 cans on Craigslist for $30 from a guy in Fort Worth off of Blue Mound and 820. I plan on picking them up on Friday.

[POS Racing]

Don't forget to solve the leak before adding freon.

Those darn o-rings on the hoses that bolt to the compressor are a popular point of leakage as well as any of the multitude of fittings....

[jrj512]

I found 2 cans on Craigslist for $30 from a guy in Fort Worth off of Blue Mound and 820. I plan on picking them up on Friday.

Are you planning to fix this one yourself?

[Flyin96M]

True r134 is not as efficent, but it really depends on the car. It really comes down to the size and efficency of the condensor. If your just cuts it with r12 then 134 probably isn't going to work unless you make some changes. If I were you I would install a condensor from a newer Miata that came from the factory with 134, or better yet get the whole system off someone that took theirs off. Make sure you get a good kit, install a NEW dryer and have the system evacuated after you fix all your leaks. While this may not be the TCB way it is the best way.

After I retrofitted my old 92 Accord and the AC would freeze you out.

[Matt V]

Are you planning to fix this one yourself?

No, I want to bring the cans to a certified shop.

[jrj512]

No, I want to bring the cans to a certified shop.

Not sure that they will want to use yours since they will have their own. You might check this out with the shop you choose before you buy the cans.

[wcmaness]

Nails - do you still have that R-12 for sale?

[POS Racing]

Nails - do you still have that R-12 for sale?

LOL he asks 3 years, 5 months, 1 week, 1 day later.

[Nails]

No. It's gone.