My son's 1983 GL has an air conditioner which he insists works okay, but no one else in the family perceives any cold air coming out. If he's happy, that's fine, but I think he is more stubborn. For a little over $300, I guess, we can recharge with old freon (assuming it is completely empty). But what would it cost to update to the newer a/c system that doesn't use "old" freon?

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83 240 GL

I've got an 83 GL that still cools well with the original R12. I bought it new and never added any refrigerant. I converted my 83 DL to 134a myself but it does require a vacuum pump. It cools well. The R12, if there is some left in your system, should have some value (over $50/pound). Perhaps the shop that does your conversion will knock some off the price if they can keep the R12. I'd spend my money to convert to 134a before buying and adding more R12. 134a sells for around $10/pound. Test your sons AC by putting a thermometer in the discharge vent; needs to blow 60 deg. F. or cooler after running a few minutes. jp

A 134 retrofit kit is about half the price you list for a recharge with the old stuff.

The newer refrigerant isn't quite as efficient as the old stuff, but if the job is done properly, it will work well.
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If you listen to the radio in Portland, OR, you may know me as 'Portland's Favorite Soul Brother!'

When I checked with my dealer, they quoted over $1000 bucks to do a retrofit. Where would I go to get a competitive price?
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83 240 GL

A good local AC shop should be able to do it for you.

There isn't anything really special about the AC system Volvo used, so a general shop should be okay.

You may consider purchasing the kit and doing it your self. I think Volvo offers the whole kit for less then $300. If not them, I'm pretty sure IPD offers a kit.

Good luck.
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If you listen to the radio in Portland, OR, you may know me as 'Portland's Favorite Soul Brother!'