I purchased a series 2 coupe that was completely disassembled. It was advertised as a "Jag in a box". Turned out to be about 50 boxes! After a lot of work, most of the boxes are empty and the car is to a point that I can drive it. After logging several hundred miles, it is painfully obvious that those last few boxes containing the A/C unit need to be emptied.
My question is, should I stick with the original A/C components or go with a custom aftermarket system?
The original parts appear to be in usable condition. I would at least need new hoses and the delicate Little air vent outlets that they now reproduce.
If I keep the original components, should I use R-12 or R-134? Is R-12 still available? Will the original system cool the car?
If I go with an aftermarket system, any recommendations?
Thanks for the help,
Keith

Submitted by bonnettoboot@e… on Sun, 09/23/2012 - 19:49

They are all compatible, if the system is evacuated IT IS EMPTY, The difference between R12 & 134 is volume, R12 usually needed over 2 lb, 134 only needs 1lb 4 ounce. AND it is much colder than r12;

Submitted by mfrank@westnet.com on Sun, 09/23/2012 - 19:00

There's a lot of experience with R134 conversions at this point, but I still don't like the idea. The old mineral oil in your system isn't compatible with R134 or the lubricants that are usually used with it. You can't replace your compressor seals or your expansion valve, either. So I'm unconvinced that it's something that will work without damaging the system in the long run. I know a lot of people do it, but I don't.

R12 is still widely available, but not over the counter. A shop that specializes in A/C repair can get it for you, evacuate the system, and install it. The problem is the cost. But if you rebuild your hoses with barrier hose, and pressure test the system, a charge should last ten years or more.

Submitted by kenglish@pct.edu on Sun, 09/23/2012 - 18:03

Thanks for the input Guys.
I did vacuum check and cap off the condenser before I installed it. I'm not looking forward to removing the radiator to install another condenser if I go with a retro unit.
I already have a new dryer in place, and the compressor is mounted on the engine. I checked the clutch and it works. For sure , the easiest and cheapest way will be to install the original parts. Still not a bargain if the car is not cool enough.
My biggest concern is will the 134 work well enough? When 134 was introduced, the word was that it would not cool as well as R12. In the past 20 years I have refilled many R12 systems with 134 and they seemed to work OK, maybe not as cold.
Michael suggested using R12, is this an option today? I don't believe I can go into a parts store and buy it.
Does anyone know of a similar car with stock components using 134? How does it work?
Thanks again for the help!
Keith

Submitted by bonnettoboot@e… on Sat, 09/22/2012 - 23:33

My suggestion would be to install the parts you have, evacuate the system then, if it holds a vacuum, charge it with 3 ounces of oil and 14 ounces of 134l. Then go from there!

Submitted by mfrank@westnet.com on Sat, 09/22/2012 - 21:45

The only problem with the stock system is that airflow is biased to the passenger side of the car. You won't correct that with any aftermarket unit that I know of. What I would do is have the hoses rebuilt using barrier hose, replace the dryer, replace any broken louvers, have the system flushed and pressure tested, refill with R12, and enjoy it for then next ten or fifteen years.

Submitted by hilstonsmg@aol.com on Fri, 09/21/2012 - 23:24

Keith; The first thing to deside is, do you want to go the original as you can make, it type car, or make the car a good driver that's comfortable. The stock unit is not as efficent as the new aftermarket types, although you can get a compressor that will work with R34 that looks original you still have the old blowers inside and other old style parts. The Retro-Air unit works quite well here in So. Florida and can be serviced almost anywhere. That said, the Retro-Air dosn't look at all original (In my opinion it looks better), it will cost you points at a show. I put a Retro unit in my 66' 2+2 two years ago and can drive the old girl all year around in comfort and other than blowing a fan belt once, it's been trouble free. My wife even likes to go to Club functions in the Jag now that it has A/C. If I want to bake my brains in the sun and heat I drive the MG TD and sweat alot. Drive the car and enjoy it, that's what it was made for. Cheers Don Hilston