I like to hit the local swap meets, and every so often I'll come across a few cans of R-12 for around $15 each. I'm tempted to buy a few for when I get around to re-doing the a/c in my car. Has anyone else come across these at swap meets? Does the stuff have a shelf life etc. Are they for real, or are there some bogus brands floating around the aftermarket? Most are labeled Igloo or Sercon, and the cans appear to have some surface rust as though they were shelved for a while. Any thoughts on this? Thanks.

 

Everybody under the sun packaged R12 back in the day. Remember getting it for 29 cents a can? As long as its R12 in the can its ok, lasts forever in the can with no shelf life.

 

Just an opinion, They are likely legit. I have a couple left, I bought it by the case for 99 cents each. I still have an almost full 30lb container. So I am quite sure there are plenty of guys like me, that's why I say probably legit.

 

As long as you can feel the weight, and the can says it is just R12, then they should be good. Avaoid cans that have sealer goos or other miracle cures in them, as well as any term that could mean they are a substitute for R12.
If you plan on storing them a while, store them in the beer frigde or freezer. The cold dry temp keeps the pressure in the can to a minimum and reduces the chance of rusting that could cause the can to leak.

 

OMG you are going to deplete the OZONE layer. Bemember when we usta take R-12 cans and chill beer?

 

If you enjoy the superior cooling quality and lower operating pressures of R12, and the price is reasonable.....go for it!! I have two 30# bottles in my stash. But I'm still reluctant to use it. Last summer the clutch on my '92 Custom Cruiser locked up and I ended up purchasing some 12 in cans from a co-worker. Good stuff!

 

I find them on craigslist all the time too.

 

anyone have some for sale at a decent price. I only have one can left and I need to refill my system. Wife and girls would be willing to let me drive it more if they knew I could put the top up and the air on if it gets too hot - spoiled!!! But at least I'd get to drive it more.

 

"OMG you are going to deplete the OZONE layer. Remember when we usta take R-12 cans and chill beer?"

I never tried the beer thing, but I do remember when it was plentiful and cheap. I also hear you can go to Nogales and still buy it that way.
Being from AZ we both know better how to keep cool in our rides during the summertime.

 

http://apairinc.com/iSubCat.asp?CAT=Freon
Try these guys, have not purchased R-12 from them, I have used the product called freeze 12. Had it in the 70 for about 8 years now 56 degrees outlet temp, not great but on a 90 degree day feels pretty good!

I did not convert the fittings, after evac, adding oil and charged by weight with old tap a can for R-12, NOTE the top of the can nipple is a little tall for the R-12 tap, I just put pressure on the nipple and colopase it down so it will fit the tap.

Pat

 

A few years back I tried the Freeze 12 in my '82 El Camino. It worked alright on most days, but not on those June days when the outside temperature was 115. R-12 is still the best to pass the hot Arizona summer test!

 

The reason 'Freeze 12' and other versions don't work as well is because they are mostly R134a (research it).

 

i pick these old cans of R12 up as often as i see them. as long as they don't rust and get a hole in the can they will last forever. they can't rust from the inside out so just be sure the outside of the can looks good before you buy one. $15 is the average price i pay for them. i had a guy wanting a couple cans about 2 years ago. i told him i would not sell them and he offered $50 per can so i have 2 less now. last i knew, at work we charge $105 per LB in the rare case of a customer having to have it. that was also about 2 years ago, likely much more now.