A.R.A. or ARA air conditioning units

[mulletmobile]

I have this brand of dealer installed a/c unit in my 71 F250. The business is somehow still in business, but they are less than helpful in obtaining new parts or information on it.

My question is this, everything appears to be working correctly on it, except it needs a recharge. Seeing how it is an old R12 system is it worth trying the eBay supposedly compatible refrigerant or should I try and upgrade the hoses, condenser and compressor or should I just yank it in favor of a complete new unit?

If any of you out there have one of these units and happen to have the manual for it let me know as I would love to get a hold of it or copies of it!

[Bronco_77]

Be careful with the substitutes. I do hvac for a living and some of the r-22 replacements are pure propane with out the smell additive I think some of the r-12 is the same way. There has been a few houses blow up from leaks.

[mulletmobile]

Definitely good info to know! How does one find out if that is the case? I would assume the can would have to be labeled if it was such a gas. Thanks for the heads up on that.