[s-cars] AC recharge

[Theodore Chen]

the air conditioning system in my '92 works, but not very well.  it's been declining gradually over the past year, and has trouble keeping up in 80+ degree temperatures now.  i think it needs a recharge.  it's an R-12 system, and i recall earlier discussions on the list saying that there's no low-side port on the system.  i have a few cans of R-12 lying around, but if there's no low-side port, i won't be able to charge the system using those cans.

a shop said they'd recharge it with R-12 for $120, or convert to R134a for $140.  given the price, i think this just means they'll evacuate the system, install fittings, add a compatible lubricant, and refill with R134a.  i don't know how well this type of conversion works, and am inclined to just recharge with R-12 for $120.  any thoughts?

are there any gotchas for the shop?

-teddy