Any help with my AC search would be super

[J. Lee Turne]

6/28/08 Hi, I'm from Miami, Fl and very new to this "forum" as I just bought (this past week) my 1976 Airstream Argosy 26. (She's the model with the Orange, Brown, Yellow, and Light Green, Plaid Interior.) She's really very cool. Very retro. She's got not one "tear" or even a frayed edge anywhere inside her and nothing going on outside that a new "original" paint job won't cure. Just needed a REALLY good cleaning, some new yellow carpet and a few minor things here and there. I have top flight people helping me with her and we don't mind adding a few "modern touches" (if they don't take away from who she's always been) which brings me to my main question of the group: Can anyone suggest a "new" in-dash A/C brand that will fit in a 1976 Argosy's Chevy dash without it looking like an after market add-on? Mine is "dead" and not worth trying to fix. I am running into size, looks, and compatability restraints? Your help and suggestions will be appreciated. I really look forward to getting to know this group. I have looked for an Argosy like the one I bought for two years and I finally found her and I am determined to bring her back to showroom new condition. Thank you for helping me where you can, J. Lee

[bkahler]

J. Lee, welcome to the forums! We own a 1974 20' Argosy mh and a 1984 310 mh.

I would be real surprised if you manage to find a newer replacement system that fits in the dash. You might be surprised at what you can do with the original one however. Most if not all of the parts are still available.

Check out the following thread for some information and pictures of some dash a/c work.
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f311...-ac-17683.html

Also here is the ACME website for a/c parts for recreational vehicles. You should be able to find what you need there.

Recreational Vehicles

Good luck and keep us posted!

By the way, for those of you keeping track, this is my 500th post

Brad

[J. Lee Turne]

Thank you Brad...and Conratulations on your 500th posting...glad it was me but I wish the news as it relates to my in-dash A/C was better...lol. I am going to check it out. Thx, J. Lee

[bkahler]

We're in the same boat as you with our 74 Argosy. I'm sure I'm going to have to totally rebuild the in dash A/C. But heck if I wasn't doing that what else would I be doing......

Brad

[overlander63]

Does your Argosy have a roof air unit? Does it have a generator?
If the answer to those questions is yes, for now, all you have to do is crank up the generator, and turn on the roof air. It won't be perfect, but at least you won't roast while driving to and from the campground.
Now, as for the a/c in your dash... Is the evaporator leaking? IS the system fully charged, but it won't blow cold?

[ROBERT CROSS]

And don't forget the R-12 changeover.

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

And don't forget the R-12 changeover.

That has become so routine, I've forgotten about it. The "kit" usually is about $20, and consists of a blue sticker, and high and low side adapters. Some kits also have synthetic refrigerant oil in them, which is required.
To convert to R134a, you evacuate the R12 from the system, vacuum the system for about 15 minutes, add the oil, and refill with R134a to 80% of the original capacity by weight. For example, if the original system called for 2 pounds of R12, you would refill with 1.6 pounds of R134a.

[bkahler]

Terry,

My only concern with doing this sort of conversion is from what I've heard is the system does not cool as well as the older R-12 would.

I've heard people say the systems work just as well and others say that it works very poorly. So who's right

Brad

[adammoore]

Originally Posted by overlander63

Does your Argosy have a roof air unit? Does it have a generator?
If the answer to those questions is yes, for now, all you have to do is crank up the generator, and turn on the roof air. It won't be perfect, but at least you won't roast while driving to and from the campground.
Now, as for the a/c in your dash... Is the evaporator leaking? IS the system fully charged, but it won't blow cold?

When we tried this on the way home (San Fran to Seattle) last Aug...the overhead AC would just kick off after about 5 minutes. The overhead AC works fine when plugged into "shore" power. Any suggestions?

[vswingfield]

Originally Posted by bkahler

Terry,

My only concern with doing this sort of conversion is from what I've heard is the system does not cool as well as the older R-12 would.

I've heard people say the systems work just as well and others say that it works very poorly. So who's right

Brad

Hi Brad,

It worked great in my old Audi. It was dark brown with dark brown interior, and it would get cold inside.

[Dr.Theopolis]

Originally Posted by bkahler

My only concern with doing this sort of conversion is from what I've heard is the system does not cool as well as the older R-12 would.

Has anyone heard of or tried Freeze-12? It is supposed to be able to replace R-12 and be even colder. Also it is compatible with the lubricant used in R-12 systems. With the other stuff you are supposed to put a vacuum on the system to get all the old lubricant (and refrigerant) out. You have to mail order Freeze-12.

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by Dr.Theopolis

Has anyone heard of or tried Freeze-12? It is supposed to be able to replace R-12 and be even colder. Also it is compatible with the lubricant used in R-12 systems. With the other stuff you are supposed to put a vacuum on the system to get all the old lubricant (and refrigerant) out. You have to mail order Freeze-12.

Dr,

I bought a Freeze-12 conversion kit several years ago with plans on using on one of our vehicles but that project got side lined. I will eventually use the kit, just don't know when.

Brad