Auto to Manual Swap or A/C Swap?
CIVEIL
New Wagonist
I may purchase another RT wagon as a parts vehicle. I could remove the engine and manual transmission and swap it over to replace my auto transmission. The donor vehicle is cleaner cosmetically and runs better than my car. The only problem with it is that it came from the factory without air conditioning. Should I swap the a/c over from my car to the donor (if possible), or do the auto to manual swap to my car? Which would be less of a hassle? Can a/c run on a non a/c ecu?
Only reason I ask is because the quick links don't work anymore.
Only reason I ask is because the quick links don't work anymore.
Comments
You'll need to order a new AC drier.Aftmrkt driers don't have the site glass,but a lot cheaper than OEM drier.I called a mobile AC guy(pro that does AC work for body shops etc.) had him come over & suck out all the original R12.Once the system is open the drier starts sucking moisture from the open air.If you can swap all the AC components over in less than 3 days you don't need a new drier.Call the AC guy back to refill the AC with the R12.He'll charge you more to top off the R12(this freon is NOT cheap).Ask your dad or granddad's buddies if they have any cans of r12 sitting around the garage.Use to buy them for $1 or $2 a can(I think it's about $70 now).Either that or take a trip to Mexico to charge it.
VERY Important Tips:
1)Don't use R134a retrofit kit.It's NOT as cold.If not done right will leak.R134a eats seals & accumulator needs to be replaced.
2)Don't have a NONE Pro AC shop do the work.They'll tend to use r134a(cheaper) & you won't know till later when r134a eats the seals & leaks,then when you return to the shop they charge you to repair it again.
3)Best to stay with r12.I've recently heard of stuff like r414b(hot shot) & r420a(rb276) with mixed reviews.Best to stay with r12.I did my AC swap 6 years ago & it's still cold.
4)The most important tip once the swap is complete.Use the AC at least 5 minutes /month.This lubes the seals with the oils in the r12 to prevent it from leaking.