A/C question

[AL Inc]

Hey guys, some of you might remember my '70 Olds 442 that I posted about back in December. I pulled the motor and trans and had a complete rebuild done on both. It has been slow going back together, between my wife having a baby in April and a busy spring for the landscaping business. Well, with help of a friend of mine, it is 90% done. Looking forward to getting back on the road:burnout
I'm putting the A/C back on now, and one question is regarding the refrigerant. I was told it would be better to run the new R-134 rather than the old R-12, but that would involve changing the fittings where the system is charged. Are these common parts or do I need to go to a company that specializes in vintage air systems? Someone already replaced the P.O.A. valve with an updated part and I'm not sure if this update was to run the R-12 or R-134.
I was also told to replace the A/C dryer since the system was opened up.
Finally, last summer, driving the car about 15 miles with the A/C off, we stopped and there was smoke coming from the A/C compressor clutch. It was smoking and crackling from the very front of the clutch. I took the belt off to get home, and haven't adressed it since. Would it just be a matter of replacing the clutch, or would it be a symptom of the compressor going bad?

Definitely would appreciate any info, I'm still a rookie at working on cars. Thanks guys, Mike

[twodan]

what did you use to recharge it? R12 or 134A? if you do not have vapor barrier hoses (the big fat ones), 134A will leak through the hoses; it's a blend, and i believe the oil must be changed too. i sill have the remains of a 30 lb jug of r12 in the cellar which i used on daughters old crown vic. hope your compressor isn't seized.

[AL Inc]

Thanks for the reply twodan..the system is still empty as I just finished putting it back on. I had never touched the A/C, as I've only owned the car a year and a half, so I'm not sure what was in there when I took it apart. The rest of the system, beyond the updated POA, looks to be original to the car. Yes, I'm crossing my fingers that the compressor isn't seized. Thanks, Mike

[Pickering Snow]

Sounds like the compressor did fail there should be plenty of A-6 compressors around.

Has far has the other unless a cust says must have everything we do gets converted to R134 , if the poa vavle was replaced within the last three years or so iam sure its r134 ready.

Not only should the dryer be replaced but the hoses to Barrier style, and sadly enough if the compressor locked up the poa probley is full of debris.

There is the poss the clutch just fell apart seems if the car wasnt charged when you bought it then without freon the pump shouldnt have been pumping leaving the clutch suspect.

Fittings are cheap to retro to and again would recomend barrier hose and new dryer and honestly have the system flushed.

[AL Inc]

Thanks Fr Fred, I was hoping you would see this..I just got the new dryer from Year One. I was talking with the mechanic who works on my trucks, he is an Oldsmobile guy as well, it looks like I'm just going to have him go over the system and do what it needs. I think I am just over my head with this one. I will keep you posted on how it goes, will try to get some pics up after I clean it up, it is filthy except for the engine right now. Thanks again guys, Mike