Well I started tearing in under the hood of the Olds finally this week clearing away weeds and the like and was faced with a bit of a dilemma.
The car came from the factory with AC that I seriously doubt still works after 29 years. This is one of the older AC units (R12?) that I don't believe can be recharged any longer.
So what would you guys do? Remove the entire AC package, shedding I'm sure quite a bit of weight. Or would you try and put in a more modern unit that can be serviced?
The car is going to be completely gutted and rebuilt completely custom. The end goal is to have something that I can take and autocross and just have general fun in, not just a straight line machine. However I will still drive it around quite a bit I'm sure so AC would be nice especially out here in eastern Oregon where it can be 100+ during the summers.
I'd just refurbish that ac unit and convert it to rwhatever, or since you're probably changing drivetrains entirely use the donor cars.
The older I get, the more I appreciate AC.
Keep the A/C. I ditched the A/C in my rx7 several years ago and have regretted it ever since. It sits almost all summer because it is just too damn hot to drive it.
You might try charging it as is with 134 after vacuuming it. I did that to my 57 Chevy and it has been cooling for two summers now. I figured if the compressor couldn't handle the 134 it would die and I would have to replace it any way.
Edited: because I suck at typing.
Get the AC working. If it's like the one in my Monte they put out some serious cold and are pretty reliable.
Working with AC systems is not hard, it just tends to be very expensive. If the system still holds vacuum, I am pretty sure you system could work with a change in oil and maybe a condenser.
FJC makes many AC parts. This kit has the basic pieces.
http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/fjc2530.html
You will need the other AC tools like a flusher, vacuum pump, leak detectors and gauges which tend to add up. I've bought all the required tools short of a recovery machine. It has been expensive but I know I will never be without AC or get shafted by a shop for simple work anymore.
It depends upon how you personally deal with the heat, I could care less about AC. In my mind it is just another problem removed and usually 80 lbs as a bonus, of course when Summer in Oz is up to 120 and Summer in Ohio maxes at 95 it doesn't even feel that warm to me.
Yeah around here temps will max out around 110-115 during the summer so AC can be a very nice thing. The more I think about it the more I think It would be nice to have working AC out here. If I was still in Portland no big deal, normally it does not get much above 95, but once it breaks that 100 degree barrier...
Find a shop that does AC conversions. I'd say DIY but parts places probably won't sell you the refrigerant without certification.
You probably have an A6 compressor. It can be used with r134 but it doesn't like it.
First of all, a little background. r12 can still be found, but its insanely expensive and can only be used by those certified to handle it. r134 is an updated HFC instead of CFC refrigerant. Some describe it as being less efficient which isn't entirely accurate. It does have a slightly lower specific heat capacity, so for the same amount of BTUs in the system it tends to need a bit more punch from the compressor which means a bit more real estate in the condenser.
If you want to convert yours to r134, you'll need to update some stuff. First, you will have to purge. The old R12 and its Ester-based lubricant won't work with R134. Think of it like changing from Dexcool to Prestone. Old stuff out, new stuff in. Second, you'll have to switch from the old orifice-tube to an expansion valve. The way R134 evaporates is different and won't work with an orifice tube. Third, I suggest upgrading condensers. Newer aluminum condensers are highly efficient. Just putting r134 through an old-school condenser will make very poor performance. This is much like changing from an old radiator to a new one. A same-sized new radiator will cool more efficiently than an old one.
Either way, you're in for some money probably. At best, a 29 year old compressor is losing its seals so it most likely needs to be replaced anyway. The question is, do you replace it with another A6, or do you update it with something like a Sanden compressor that will be more compatible with r134.
Vintage Air isn't cheap, but they have everything. Their condensers are some of the most efficient available.
My 2000 ford ZX2 has an orfice tube and r 134. from the factory.
If it was my car (and I'd love to have an old Cutlass) and I was planning to keep the A/C, I'd dismantle the system, taking pictures as you go. Thoroughly clean all the hoses and components with whatever solvent works on the old oil. Clean it like 5 times and then once more just to be sure. Blow it all out with compressed air. Replace all the o-rings and such. Maybe pressure test the hoses to see if they're still good (though you might be time ahead just buying new hoses). Some competent auto parts stores can make new hoses for you with your old fittings...just bring in the old hose and they'll set you up.
Then...put it all back together using whatever conversion parts are necessary. Pull a GOOD vacuum on it (experts say the air compressor-powered vacuum pumps aren't really adequate) and charge into the vacuum.
Lots of time and/or money...but that's how I'd go about it (and exactly why I haven't had a car with working A/C like...ever).
You can do most of the remove/clean/replace work youself. Then just take it to an a/c shop for the final vacuum and fill, maybe. That plan would save you a LOT of money, I think.
Clem
And I bet I'm not the only one who opened this post expecting to be reading about relationship issues 
If / when you do work on it, Arizona Mobile Air has some good prices on this stuff:
http://www.ackits.com/
Some good suggestions think I will keep it and upgrad the system eventually.
Oh as for the relationship stuff its going great pushing two months now. I will post more later on my blackberry right now and its being slow.
