I have a kit to install however it is intended for the older R12 gas.

What have others done in the past? Convert to R134a or source some R12?

I know for sure that I will find it hard to find some R12 in my part of the world. If I am to convert to R134a what do I need to do? People have told me I need to change seals, replace the drier and source a specific oil.

Other people have said that the R134a never really works that well and the AC systems struggles.

Anyone out there have any first hand experience?

Anyone use this stuff?

http://hychill.com.au/products/minus-30

I put air con in my ute
I got a condenser out of a import 1200 wagon
Gas is r134a
Its easier just to buy a new compresser under dash unit and reciver dryer
I have the air con on and its under half its nice and cold and you hardly feel any power loss

I have photos if you need any

I had a system converted to R134a and it worked ok. The guy had to change the throttling valves (which control the operating pressures in the condensor/ evapourator). I might even have a R134a chart that you can use to figure out what pressure to aim for. Book's at work though.

It's illegal to use in Aus, but propane has very similar Liquid-Vapour phase properties to R12. It's illegal I think because of the risk of propane leaking into the cabin and igniting. That said, propane has a much lower environmental impact to both R12 and R134a if released to the atmosphere. R134a still degrades the ozone layer, it just has a shorter half life than R12. They should always be disposed of responsibly.

Hope this helps.

Nick, Dylan,

Thank you for your advice. I think I am apprehensive to change to R134a, and although the LPG/Propane is tempting I had better play it smart on this one. The setup I have is a JDM AC unit from a B120.

I will see what HyChill offers price wise and advice.

Nick why do you say this; 'Its easier just to buy a new compresser under dash unit and reciver dryer '?

Well with the compressor you work out the time to find someone to take it appart change the valves you might find out its easier to buy a new compresser
Heres 2 photos below of mine and the ol fellas compressors the advantage about them is there nice and small and take no engine power away and they are cheap

With the under dash if its the bulky unit you got the disadvantage about it you cant have anybody sit in the passenger side cause theres no leg room we got a 1200 ute here in perth with that unit im not tall and i had trouble with leg room (its just a idea to buy a nice small unit if you want to carry a passenger)

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There used to be another gas - FR12 from memory - which was like r12 but not ozone depleteing. I heard it was lpg with the propane removed but that could be bullshit.
There is another option, just ask the a/c guys.
Jd

Okay, will take a look. The R134a sounds like a lot of hassle to convert to, and then you run the risk of ruining the compressor...

Anyone with any experience with the HyChill product? They say it is a replacement for R12. It is also flammable so I might as well try the LPG

Hydrocarbon (hychill) refrigerant that you are talking about is not unsafe (if you consider people drive around with LPG tanks in the boot) and is not more flammable or toxic than the old refrigerants. It actually has an advantage because aromatics are added to it so you can smell if you have a leak. The problem? Very expensive at the moment due to low demand, I have suspected LPG will most likely work as hydrocarbon refrigerants has a composition very similar to LPG.
I have seen quite a few conversions of R22 and R404 to hydrocarbon without any issues, if you're really tight you could get away without replacing the expansion valve.

had the stock system converted to the current standards

cost approx $750 but that included new hoses which was about $250 (you might not need them?)
i didn't shop around, just took it to the local place

works really well

if you want it - pay for it to be done right, otherwise don't bother
chances are the 45 year old seals/valves etc in the system you have are rooted anyway and it will not work properly or leak whatever you put in