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If you know you have R12 in there, you can find someone to evacuate the system.
Then the fun starts. You can fill the system with the proper oil and an R12 substutite (a blend of stuff.. like Freeze 12) that doesn't require new hoses. And presto, you've got working A/C for a whole lot less than it would cost to convert or fill with R12. Plus, you've got A/C that'll cool a whole lot better than with R134a.
What's the catch?
First, there's the risk that the substutite will gum up the seals. I've heard this batted around before, but never seen this backed up by any fact.
Second, it's a blend. This means that when it leaks, AFAIK, you'll have to evacuate the system and refill. You can't (or shouldn't) just top it off.
Third, it's a blend. Many (most?) reputable shops won't touch it. Ideally you'll need different (non R12, non R134a) fittings on your car.. and a shop would need separate equipment just for this blend. You would too if you're handling it. But you could probably rig something up pretty cheap considering you wouldn't be required to handle any other types of refrigerant.
If you do any of this yourself, you'll need EPA certification which costs about $20.
- alex
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