I have the same problem. Got to get the AC repaired. One thing I
learned the hard way - if y ou do not have freon and don't run the AC
once a week - the seals dry up and the freon leaks out. So you are
likely up for replacement of all the seals, including a likely
replacement of the Compressor. In an upgrade to 134a, you can get a
complete seal kit from Van-cafe for about $50 or from the other List
Vendors for similar money. You will also need a new receiver dryer and
possible a new expansion valve. Because the old AC compressors were
designed to run at the lower Freon 12 pressures, the higher pressures of
the 134a may poop out your AC compressor fairly quickly. You really
should get a new compressor appropriate to the 134a.

134a Upgrade Kit - $50
Expansion valve - $30
Receiver-Dryer - $30-$35
Compressor - $350- $400.
134a - $35 or so.

Not bad on parts. But then there is the labor. I've not a clue on that
myself. I'm going to try and do it myself.

Good luck.

John

John Rodgers
Clayartist and Moldmaker
88'GL VW Bus Driver
Chelsea, AL
Http://www.moldhaus.com

On 5/23/2011 2:41 PM, David M wrote:
> Well I have been given an ultimatum by the wife. Get the a/c fixed or get rid of the Vanagon. Its about to hit 100 degrees here in AZ so it would be nice to have working a/c again. The system was working fine around 10 years ago but lasted maybe one year after a $450 refill with freon at the VW dealer. It's still the freon (R12) system and I'm not prepared to pay the cost of regular R12 refills so it has to be a conversion to R134.
> How much should it cost to have this done? I was quoted a $1000 flat fee by one place but that seems expensive. Is a lot of labor involved? Can a regular a/c place handle this or is the Vanagon system too unusual?
>
> -David (1987 Wolfsburg)
>
>