I converted mine over 3-years ago after losing $200.00 worth of R-12 through a spliced hose. I went ahead and had the system evacuated and replaced all of the hoses before recharging it with R-134a. There are two types of oil used in the system, one is compatible with the stock oil while the other isn't. I don't remember which was what, but I used the same kind when I changed compressors on my'lodge and converted it to R-134a as well last summer.

Goldibox's A/C has performed extremely well except the electrical system has a problem with blowing 60-amp fuses every six months or so. I replaced the stock fuse holder and the lead to the alternator with a larger gauge setup after the stock fuse holder melted. It always happens when I am running the fan on the lower speeds and the temp is set as warm as possible without shutting off the compressor, like first thing in the morning.

The 'lodge has a small leak, I will be recharging it this weekend in preparation for my weekend at Darlington next week. I got my ultrasonic leak detector finally and will put it to use chasing down the leak in the system.It was working until November last year but I haven't used it since.

If you decide to try and convert it yourself, spend some time at the local library and online at www.aircondition.com to understand how the system operates. If you want to proceed, buy a good set of gauges and hoses and learn how to use them.

Good luck,

Tim

"Matthew C. Huntley" <matthew.huntley@STRATHBOGIE.NET> wrote:
While standing in my Local FLAPs, I spotted a conversion kit for
converting AC from R-12 to R-134. It was around $50.00. I have a 1986
VanagonGL, and for a moment I was tempted. Any Idea if that would be a
good idea, or not?

Thanks,
Matt

--
Any opinions stated here are my own, otherwise someone else would have
said them.

TJ Hannink
Goldibox - 1987 Vanagon Camper, Wolfsburg Edition
1981 Bluebird Wanderlodge, FC-33
Winter Park, Florida
http://home.earthlink.net/~tjhannink/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wolfsburg_campers
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FC_wanderlodge
FAVOR website:  http://home.earthlink.net/~clubvanagon
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