There's a good thread on thesamba.com about using Red Tek for conversions.  According to those who have used it, it cools better than R134a and is available direct, I think.  Since my own backyard R134a conversion does not cool wonderfully, I may try this when I do the more in-depth fix with new seals and the new receiver/dryer.

Stephen

--- On Wed, 6/18/08, John C... <Trvlr2001@COMCAST.NET> wrote:

> From: John C... <Trvlr2001@COMCAST.NET>
> Subject: Re: AC High Side - line leak - rubber hose
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Date: Wednesday, June 18, 2008, 3:54 PM
> There probably is No "Good Freon" out there,
> But that said & if ya gotta use R-12 to top off a
> system.
> Use a can that has the combination of R-12 Freon, 2oz oil
> and stop leak in it.
> I see folks paying about $20 can on whatsitbay.
> And no, you really don't have to be certified.
> You should be!
> And Dont empty Any system into the atmosphere !
> Not even the Subbies you buy for conversions.
> People will come to your house to evacuate them.
> ( Breathe, Breathe in the Air ....... ;o)
> JC...
>
> -------------- Original message --------------
> From: rubatoguy@comcast.net
>
> Make sure you get the new barrier hose used for R-134. It
> will work with R-12 systems and is less prone to leaking.
> Note:
>
> The original type of hose was designed during the time
> period when R12 refrigerant was inexpensive and it's
> affect on the ozone level was not known. This old fashion
> hose line slowly leaks (permeates) refrigerant through
> it's skin overtime. It was common to "top
> off" or recharge the system on a yearly basis. Today,
> with the high cost of R12 it's not wise to have leaks
> of any kind. With the introduction of R134a refrigerant the
> a/c industry determined that the original type hose leaked
> R134a at a greater rate than R12. To solve the problem a
> new type of hose was designed that has inner liner which
> reduces rate of permeation (leakage) of refrigerants
> through the hose wall. It's called "barrier"
> hose
>
> See: http://www.griffiths.com/achelp/achelp1.html
> For good info on automotive A/C. The site is specific to
> Porsche, but their systems are very similar to the Vanagon.
> (long hose runs and compressor in the back of the vehicle.)
>
> Todd
> '88 Westy
>
> -------------- Original message --------------
> From: "John C..." <Trvlr2001@COMCAST.NET>
>
> > >You can snake the old one out in less than half an
> hour. Putting
> > > the new one back in, with a bottle of soap handy,
> is easier than removing
> > > the old hardened hose.
> >
> > Cut the bugger in sections --- it will fall out.
> > JC...
> > -------------- Original message --------------
> > From: Jim Felder
> >
> > > I agree with Ken. I just did that, and the cost
> was as he quoted. Don't buy
> > > the hose. You can snake the old one out in less
> than half an hour. Putting
> > > the new one back in, with a bottle of soap handy,
> is easier than removing
> > > the old hardened hose.
> > > Jim
> > >
> > >
> > > On Wed, Jun 18, 2008 at 11:45 AM, Ken Wilfo rd
> wrote:
> > >
> > > > Take your old line off, go to a local A/C
> shop or hydraulic hose shop,
> > > > get them to make you a new one, it will be
> around $95 or maybe less.
> > > > That is the cheapest/best way to go. Hope
> this helps,
> > > > Ken Wilford
> > > > John 3:16
> > > > www.vanagain.com
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > Jack R. wrote:
> > > >
> > > >> My 84 Westy has a leak in the AC line,
> (high side) in the rubber hose,
> > > >> about
> > > >> 12 inches from the compressor, beyond
> the ridged line.
> > > >>
> > > >>
> > > >>
> > > >> I price the replacement hose which runs
> from the back all the way forward
> > > >> to
> > > >> the condenser, the cost of this line in
> excess of $325.
> > > >>
> > > >&g t;
> > > >>
> > > >> I wondered if anyone has come up with an
> alternate solution to replacing
> > > >> the
> > > >> entire line.
> > > >>
> > > >>
> > > >>
> > > >> Any suggestions welcome. no rush, as it
> is currently 59 degrees in
> > > >> Detroit!!! But, I know summer is going
> to be here soon. I hope!
> > > >>
> > > >>
> > > >>
> > > >> Thanks!
> > > >>
> > > >>
> > > >>
> > > >> Jack R.
> > > >>
> > > >> 84 Westy Wolfie.
> > > >>
> > > >>
> > > >>