61 Bonneville AC quandary
 

I'm working on a newly acquired 61 Bonneville with no history on the AC besides I can see condenser and drier have been replaced on this factory air car. It's empty of freon. What have most of you been doing? Fixing leaks and recharge with R-12?
repair leaks and retrofit to R-134? Not looking to change over to aftermarket,but it is an option. Thanks

Better off with R12, or Duracool 12A. I use Duracool and love it. Use their oil also. Been in my car for 6 years without ever needing a recharge. A can is only 6oz but is equal to 12 oz of R12. Use 4 1/2 cans of whatever you choose. With Duracool, Change over is easy, just oil and R134 fittings on high and low ports. I went the extra mile and converted to all o-ring fittings.

Repair what component leaks, draw a vacuum on system and let sit a few hours to ensure leak is fixed, then refill with R12 and oil if any was depleted. Enjoy 37 degree vent temps.

buy yourself an electronic leak detector like i did for my 63 and fix as needed, mine also needed o-ring and the pressure hoses, both.

Has anyone used the Duracool 12A? Sounds like a good alternative except for the flammability issue.

didn't lilabner answer that?

He did. I didn't catch it until I re-read and didn't wish to remove the post in case others had opinions.