I have also been running my 86 Golf with R134 for several years with no
problem.  Was told by a reputable A/C shop that I did not need to
replace my a/c hoses with the newer barrier type hose as the mineral oil
in R12 effectively created a barrier coating on the non-barrier hose.
Just replace the receiver/dryer and add ester oil.  Even if I get a
little leakage with the non-barrier hose, at $3-4 a can, I can afford a
little leakage.

Garth

Finn Runyon wrote:
>
> Dear List...
>       I recently ordered the R12-134a conversion kit from the Bus
> Depot.  I
> then read that the conversion will fail because the Vanagons AC hoses
> were
> not made for the newer refrigerant.  Is anyone running 134a without
> the hose
> change...how long have you been running it, and does anyone know is
> there are
> replacement hoses available?
>
> Finn Runyon
> 87 Westy