I just purchased an Interdynamics "Auto Air Conditioner 2-Way R-134a Retrofit & Charging Kit" Model #CRK-6T

It comes with 2 cans of R134a refrigerant with oil, leak sealer and o-ring conditioner; Low & High Side service port adapters with lock-on adhesive; color coded service port caps; can tap valve; R-134a quick connect/disconnect hose fitting; R-134a high side pressure charging hose and a retrofit label.

It claims the process is 5 easy steps.
Here's the link to the 5 easy steps:
http://www.id-usa.com/retrofit.htm

Have any of you ever used this or something like it?
Is it too good to be true?
Is there anything I need to do to my '79 BEFORE I use this kit?

Thanks for your help!!

Adam,
Funny you should ask. I just installed an Interdynamic's kit in my 81 last night. Mine had the separate can of oil and 3 cans of R134. I had a mechanic friend use his guages to do it for me. My system had no R-12 left in it. We pulled a vaccuum for awhile and it seemed to hold so if it has a leak it must be a very small one. I was going to but leak sealer in it but I bought the can with the cap that connects directly to the low side and couldn't get it on the fitting due to lack of space. So we charged the system anyway and it works great. I will monitor the pressure from time-to-time to see if I am losing any refrigerant. R134 is cheap enough to add a can if it gets low. If I had to do it over again, I would use the kit that you have because I the oil is already mixed in the R134 cans. I think the 8 oz. full can of oil was too much. Hope this helps. Good luck. tom.

I took my 72 COnvertible in to have the A/C recharged. The place only does retrofits anymore. R12 too expensive. Anyway they couldn't do it because they could not get a kit with fittings to fit my compressor. ODD original compressor and probably the same on many other Chevys on the road. Really ticked me off. Where did you get your lits? I called ym local NAPA store and they said they had a kit to fit . When I explained the situation to them they said yeah they have heard of it, so the solution they said was to buy extra fittings.

I got my kit at Autozone, but Wal-Mart had the same thing. The kit comes with the new fittings that are R134 compatable but is designed for 1976 and up vehicles. The instructions indicate you can get fittings for pre-1976 vehicles from the company. Contact Interdynamics at www.id-usa.com. Tom.

I sent the company an e-mail this morning and this is the answer I received. It reads like they do not sell the pre-'76 fittings. I would hate to buy the kit and not be able to find the correct fittings.


Prior to 1976, the Low Side and High Side service ports were the same size. This means that when you retrofit, you need a special adapter for the High Side service port on a pre-1976 vehicle. These are readily available to most auto parts stores. At AutoZone, you have to get them at the Parts Counter. They are only a few dollars.

You can add the High Side adapter AFTER you've done the rest of the retrofit. Its purpose is to allow mechanics to hook up R-134a equipment to your system the next time you have it serviced.

You can read more about retrofitting on our website:
Interdynamics Retrofit - Frequently Asked Questions

Bill Appel
Director of Sales
interdynamics, inc.
e-mail: interdy@aol.com

Is there anyone who charges with R-12 anymore.
I've been told the R-134 doesn't get near as cold.
This could be a problem for me in Arizona if it's true.

I have heard that R134 gets colder than R12 Differant strokes for differant folks I guess. Maybe there is a qualified tech in our Vette land that knows for sure??

you can still get recharged with R-12 in Florida. congress made a special exemption for Florida. but it is expensive. last time i checked 1 small can is $34.00 but you have to be licenced to buy it.

MY PRESSURE WAS SO LOW THAT THE AC WOULD NOT COME ON.
AT THE CARLISLE CORVETTE SHOW I BOUGHT "ENVIRO-SAFE REFRIGERANT
TWO CANS OF REFRIGERANT AND ONE CAN OF"O" RING SEALER PLUS A
HOSE WITH VALVE. YOU HAVE TO PULL THE ELECTRICAL PRESSURE PLUG
AND SHORT IT OUT WITH A JUMPER. 1. START CAR 2.TURN ON AIR.
3.PUT IN CAN OF "O" RING SEALER. 4. PUT IN ONE CAN OF REFRIGERANT
CHECK COOLING WITH HAND OR THERMOMETER. SHOULD BE AROUND 55F
IF NOT PUT IN SECOND CAN. I ADMIT ITS A BIT RISKEY WITHOUT A GAUGE.BUT IT WORKED FOR ME. IT REPLACES HFC-134a & other
CFC-12 SUBSTITUTES. THE ADDRESS IS ENVIRO-SAFE REFRIGERANTS, INC
100 CAROLINE, PEKIN, ILL 61554 PLEASE ADVISE IF YOU KNOW ABOUT THIS. E- MAIL JANDERD@AOL.COM

I want you all to know that Envirosafe (and some other products like it such as Duracool, HC-12a, MX-12a, etc.) are hydrocarbon based flammable substances similar, if not exactly like the propane in your barbeque grill's tank. Installation of these types of refrigerants could be dangerous to you and your Corvette if somehow system integrity were to become comprimised. Further, while it's very unlikely you would get caught, or even if so, procecuted, it is illegal to install flammable refrigerants as substitutes for CFC-12. For more information visit www.epa.gov/ozone/title6/609. Go to "Fact Sheets" and then to "Legal Status of"... Or call MACS (the Mobile Air Conditioning Society) at 215-631-7020 for further information. MACS' web site is www.macsw.org