I just got off the phone with the local AC shop about my system not blowing cold air on my 71 ElCamino with an after market Frigette system.

They tell me that it can't be fixed because it has the old freon, and that it would be about $800 to convert....are they pulling my leg, or giving me the straight skinney?

Dazzed and confused Elky owner

I just got off the phone with the local AC shop about my system not blowing cold air on my 71 ElCamino with an after market Frigette system.

They tell me that it can't be fixed because it has the old freon, and that it would be about $800 to convert....are they pulling my leg, or giving me the straight skinney?

Dazzed and confused Elky owner

First, in my opinion that's bogus info for no other reason than they haven't even looked at your car to know what the problem is.

Second, if the compressor/evaporater/condenser are in servicable condition $800 is out of line for just a conversion. For a conversion most shops suggest replacing the drier(a no brainer at less than $50), flusing the system, replacing the o-rings and recharging the system using the appropriate amount of 134 and a compatable oil.

There's a resident expert on the board here who can give you better info than I but I still say run, not walk from that shop and find another.

When I first had mine repaired the compressor and evaporator HAD to be replaced and it was converted to 134 for about $1000. Still pretty steep but more in line than $800 just to convert it.

They tell me that it can't be fixed because it has the old freon, and that it would be about $800 to convert....are they pulling my leg, or giving me the straight skinney?

What did they say the problem with the system is? If it needs a repair and conversion, then this may be in line depending on the needed repair.
However, if this is just for a conversion then it is out of line.

Well I don't know squat about AC, but I believe in doing research and asking around until I get all the facts. It didn't have a drive belt, so I put one on today and turned the AC on. The compressor pump runs free until I turn on the unit, then the outer pully runs under load, just no cold air, but also no weird sounds. (I assume this is good?) The guy at the local parts place tells me he has a recharge kit, but he hasn't looked at my system.

So, what do you think is the next step? Of course with another shop!

Thanks a bunch!

So, what do you think is the next step?

Ask the first shop to give you an itemized estimate to justify the $800 quote, otherwise you're asking for guesses....and yes, the fact that the compresser runs is a good sign, but it doesn't mean that it pumps or isn't leaking. Of course you could always buy a "suicide kit" from the parts house and attempt to charge it yourself, but without knowing the high side pressure in the system, it isn't advisible. Also, did they give you the $800 quote before you put a belt on it?

No, I put the $15 belt on my self, I figured I would need a belt regardless of the condition. And no they just didn't want to even mess with the AC (my thoughts) didn't even want to look at it. So I guess it's off to another shop?

Thanks again!

Sounds like they were the ones guessing. Yes, I would try another shop.

Ok, well I got a hold of another shop that was more willing to look at my system. They said they can hook up and test for $50, then if everything is working ok, covert to the 134A for around $60 bucks!

Does this sound about right?

Thanks!

Does this sound about right?


So far so good...