Western Mass (Berkshire Cty): A/C shops ??
Still have R-12 in my 68. Just finished a complete restoration and need a competent A/C shop to check the system, get it ready for use and charge it. Any suggestions in my area ?
Thanks
Chuck Faillace
Thanks
Chuck Faillace
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Re: Western Mass (Berkshire Cty): A/C shops ??
Where is western Mass? Let's go around again and see if anyone can help you.
Stu Fox -
Re: Western Mass (Berkshire Cty): A/C shops ??
Western Massachusetts (Berkshire County): not far from Connecticut (Litchfield County) or New York (near Albany).
ChuckComment
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Re: Western Mass (Berkshire Cty): A/C shops ??
I have a friend (Corvette owner ) who lives in western Ma....have emailed him to see if he can help you...........
will be in touch,
Stan Hoy Ipswich MassachusettsComment
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Re: Western Mass (Berkshire Cty): A/C shops ??
Best I could do. >>>>>>>>>>>
my friend steve says call "Beckwiths auto " @ 413-648-9248 ask for Jeff...
advise Jeff ..........what needs to be done & he will advise you if he can do it or refere you to someone in your area that can do it / he is aware of......StanComment
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Re: Western Mass (Berkshire Cty): A/C shops ??
Stanley:
I really appreciate the information and the follow-up. I will give them a call. Thanks.
ChuckComment
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Re: Western Mass (Berkshire Cty): A/C shops ??
I called around 4-5 places yesterday that advertise AC service in the local newspaper and asked them about servicing my 70. They all said they could convert it to R134 but no facility had the equipment to service R12 and extract the R12 in my 70 so I could either install another compressor or attempt to replace the front seal in my 70's compressor. Found out the Chevy/Caddy dealershop has not had R12 service for years. Asked one mechanic for a any reference as to who might do R12, he mentioned the truck stop that services semi's traveling I-40.
Last time I had R12 service was in 1994 on my 85. I just wanted the system checked. The shop removed the R12 and the oil. Installed new oil and filled the system with R12. Wish I had that machine. The shop is no longer there.Comment
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Re: Western Mass (Berkshire Cty): A/C shops ??
Hi Jim:
I think most shops have now stopped servicing R12 systems. The problem is that the regulations now require them to extract any R12 in the system and either re-install it after servicing the system or send it out for recycling. The same requirements apply to R134.
I believe that *in theory* most of the equipment used to extract and charge A/C systems can handle R12 or R134, but the shops don't like to switch back and forth on the same machine. And, since the machines are expensive, they don't like to buy a second one just for the occasional R12 job.
You may be able to find an old-timer who still has R12 equipment and is willing to service your car. Most of these people are retired or free-lancers these days.
If you are mechanically inclined, the other alternative is to buy some entry-level R12 charging equipment and either get some R12 on the gray market or get yourself licensed so that you can legally purchase R12. Getting the MACS licence only requires completing a fairly simple, open-book, on-line test. The test covers the enviornmental and safety aspects of handling refridgerants, and does not get very technical about the actual diagnosis and repair of A/C systems.
Once you are MACS certified, you can legally purchase R12. It is still readily available on ebay and from various distributors. While R12 can no longer be manufactured, you can still purchase "virgin" R12 and recycled R12.Comment
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Re: Western Mass (Berkshire Cty): A/C shops ??
Joe thanks for your informative response. I bought a set of guages years ago, have used them once a few years ago when I topped off a 87 Honda with R-12. I bought a 30# of R12 in the early 90's when anyone could buy the 30# container from Sam's. Still have one small can also. I just wanted to save what is in my 70 and not waste it by letting the R12 disperse into the atmosphere to put in a new compressor seal.Comment
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