442fanatic

Hey guys,

It is 90s and humid here in the cyclone state of Iowa. I had fun car show at Jefferson's Bell Tower days saturday. Anyone in the state, Jeferson hosts I believe two car shows in August called "Hot August Nights" around their lively square on Thursday nights.

1st Question Air conditioning. Ran the A/C on the way home, and normal engine temp even on a hot day is around 195. I have a 190 thermostat, large AL radiator. I ran the A/C and the car was up to 230 +/- after the 20 mile return trip.

1976 Cutlass 442. Does the a/c pull harder if it is running low on Refridgerant? It is a Delco compressor, reman one that was converted by the reman folk to R134a...


I picked up a set of 1975 plates, with 1976 stickers under the 1977. I have the bill of sale from the dealer, aside from having that in the car. Is anything else needed when one is using vintage plates over the registered plates?

lonestarjarhead

Don't know about Iowa, but here in Texas, to run a "year of manufacture" plate, one has to submit the plate to the DMV for approval, then that number shows up on your registration papers.

Junkman

http://www.dmv.org/ia-iowa/special-license-plates.php

442fanatic

Thanks Junkman! Just reviewed the paper work the plate guy gave me which said the same thing. I believe my car is registered as a classic as it is only $25 a year.

I don't think they enforce strictly the drive only to car shows, fairs, and for service station fuel/maintenance. At least in Iowa.

Now I will have to pick up one of those R134 recharge kits that come with the connecting hose/guage, and such. They appear to be a recharge for dummies..

Alex

Junkman

I suggest that you take the car to a competent A/C shop, and have them put the gauges on the system. R134 should be charged to 80% of what the charge was for R12. It might be over charged presently, causing the loss of cooling. There may be some other problem that needs to be resolved. Adding Freon when you don't know how to properly service air conditioning, you can do more harm to the system than you realize. An overcharged system can burst hoses, etc.. If you don't know all about the system, you should leave it to the professionals to diagnose and repair the system.