A/C shop in Austin for my kid's car

[robvert]

any recommendations?

I'm asking for my daughter who has been having A/C issues for a couple years and doesn't have much money (I live a couple thousand miles away, so can't help with the leg work... plus I know nothing about a/c and having a '75 2002 I'm not real familiar with E30s).

We know about Terry Sayther and they have done good work on her car. I was wondering if an exclusive A/C shop might be cheaper. And too, IF the entire system needs work, maybe an A/C shop would be more up on R134 conversions (In my search I've read a lot of opinions on here about various refridgerants... it seems if done correctly the R134 could be just as good as R12)

anyway, I (and she) would appreciate any recommendations.

Thanks

[Kershaw]

dont convert to r134a. e30s dont do well with it.

try to find real r12.

[Ryann]

Or find a shop that knows what r414b is.

[jw 325ic]

dont convert to r134a. e30s dont do well with it.

try to find real r12.

Don't listen to Kershaw. e30s do well without him.

I have personally converted to r134a and am in Dallas. I stay cold in my car even right now in these heat waves. If she was in Dallas I would offer to help as I know a bit about AC and have some bimmer friends up here. Unfortunately thats a few hours away...with no ac haha. Good luck man, might want to call around for her and try and find some place that seems legit and get some quotes.

[raafhimself]

i had my shop ghetto convert to 134a -- they just evacuated the remaining r12 and replaced it w/ r134a. they said it was hit/miss but worth a try before spending more money on replacing seals and whatnot for a proper conversion. its been over a year and still blowing cold. give that a whirl before going the legit route.

[TurboJake]

R134 works great in the E30 if you do it right. And by right doesn't always mean the expensive way.
Last week it was 95ish.
A/C was 45ish coming out of my vents.

Car was nice and comfy. All for $34 in parts, some R134, and following procedure.

[robvert]

thanks all... I have read this debate, hence my requesting a knowledgable and recommended A/C professional... now I just need to find a couple more shops in Austin who are good, honest and preferably know these cars for my daughter... No Austinites with shop recommendations??

[Kershaw]

Don't listen to Kershaw. e30s do well without him.

dude, you do not know what you are talking about.

the ac condensor is not large enough for r134a. just because it CAN work, doesnt mean it's optimal. r12 > r134a. in fact, propane > r12.

[Ryann]

dude, you do not know what you are talking about.

the ac condensor is not large enough for r134a. just because it CAN work, doesnt mean it's optimal. r12 > r134a. in fact, propane > r12.

I concur. Head pressure is way too high using the stock e30 condenser/aux. fan.

[robvert]

i get it... i will only convert IF most/all of the system needs replacing anyway.
The '02 guys have had success with sanden compressors and parallel flow condensers... now to find a place that can tell me what's wrong and give me the options.

If no one can recommend a specific alternative system that will work, then all i need are some shop recommendations.

[Eecen]

Pics of your daughter?









They might help get responses....

[Kershaw]

^ hahaha gotta love r3v.

keep the stock system and use r12! you could try posting in the local sub forum http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/forumdisplay.php?f=158 to see if you get a better response.