I am replacing my compressor in my 82 with OEM which is R12; to fill with R12 the cost will be about $200+
I do not want to retro fit to R134 as it does not cool as good as R12 and I need all the cooling I can get here in AZ for this daily driver.
  Has anyone heard of Freeze12? It is an EPA approved replacement for R12 and does not need a license to purchase. I have heard that Freeze12 it is a butane derivative and that means it is flammable. My common sense is saying NO to flammability. What do you guys think and has anyone used this Freeze12??

  On a side note, I just installed a quality wiring harness with two relays/fuses and 10/12 gauge wiring to go with my aluminum radiator & dual fans. For the last 16 months I had the fans wired to the OEM fan hookups which was not strong enough to handle the amps of these fans. No burnt wires (Luckly) but way less CFM output than correctly rated wires. The fans now blow at 100% efficiency compared to probably 50-70% while wired into the OEM harness.
FYI: Use the correct gauge wiring especially with aftermarket radiator fans, especially dual fans!

Thanks!


 

I would recommend you run away from the Freeze 12...Run, Forest, RUUUN!!
My experience with it has been really bad. On the three vehicles I used it in, all three locked the compressor up within a few days. Whether or not it was the Freeze 12 that did this or not, my statistics lead me to believe it was, as I am certified in automotive HVAC repair, and the rest of the system(s) was properly set up. I even talked to one of their engineers about the product before I ever used it, and the answers to my questions were insane....the guy didn't appear to know anything about the stuff, other than "It is a "drop-in" replacement, no problem"...
I have a few cans of that stuff left in my cabinets, and will not use them.
Perhaps Terry(my7T1) can give more info...
My opinion is the stuff is dangerous.
Adams' Apple2009-05-25 11:57:46

Phill, I am a hvac tech by trade,, I agree with Joel about the freeze 12,,I do not agree with you about 134a,, The performance of 134a is within a few percentage points of r12 when it is properly installed,I do not think you will see an appreciable difference in 134a vs r12,, it is not that big of a deal to convert your ride over to 134a,,good luck,,rd

Phil, while I have to believe the comments by the three techs above about R-134 I share your concern about converting to it.  When the condenser in "The Beast" needed to be replaced I did the R-134 conversion because of the current cost of the R-12 and its long term lack of availability.  I have to say I'm less than pleased with its performance.  The C4 does have a lot of glass but then so do the '78-82 C3s.  I have also read that to reduce the horsepower drain the ZR-1 had a slightly smaller capacity compressor so that may be a factor in our case.

Check out Enviro Safe   Es12A.  I just replaced all my hoses and am going back with R12.

http://www.es12a.com/ Norsky2009-05-25 22:31:00

Here is a Composition Chart of alternative refrigerants. If you notice Freeze-12 is 80% R134a. No where can I find composition of ES-12a, other than it does contain Butane.

 

This is what I'm talkin bout when I say so called drop ins (no such thing) are all a bunch-o-crap.

 

Also if charging your system with R134a be sure the label does not say sealer added. Another whole bunch of problems.

 

My .02

 

Stay with R-12 or convert to 134A..........my opinion......let us know how you decide.

Thanks for the excellent info guys!!
It looks like I will stay with the R-12, eBay has 12oz cans for around $30 each.

How many cans will I need for my AC tech??

Thanks!

[QUOTE=Phill's Vette]Thanks for the excellent info guys!!
It looks like I will stay with the R-12, eBay has 12oz cans for around $30 each.

How many cans will I need for my AC tech??

Thanks!

[/QUOTE] 4 120z. cans which equal the 3lb. charge. I would recommend getting one extra to charge or to have in case you need a bit more or for future use. You should really only need the 4, if you want to save the additional $30.00. Good luck and KEEP COOL!  corvette440hp2009-05-27 10:48:12