An R-12 van doesn't work very well on R-134a here in Phx.  For that matter,
nothing does.  Even with my AC working like new, it still took about
twenty - thirty miles before the AC was at all effective.  If you're driving
down to Tucson, it should feel pretty much OK about the time you pass
Firebird Raceway.

Karl Wolz

----- Original Message -----
From: "Dave M" <dmc@CYBURBAN.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, June 27, 2001 8:39 AM
Subject: A/C useless when over 100 degrees

> The a/c in my Vanagon seemeed to work fine in 90 degree New York.
> But now I'm in AZ, it just cannot cool a hot van on a 100 degree day
(which
> is everyday right now).
> Is this an inherent weakness or does my system need looking at?
> Anyone else in a hot climate got his a/c working well?
> My '95 Mercury Sable has no problem cooling (almost instantly) in the same
> conditions - and its 134a, not Freon.
>
> Is there an official VW kit to convert the Vanagon to 134a refrigerant?
> What is involved and what parts must be replaced?
> I'm reluctant to spend big bucks maintaining a Freon system.