`93, F150, 5.0 -- Well I think the r12 finally running down. Anyone have any suggestions as for alternative replacements? I've been doing some looking around on the web and so for I've found Freeze12, HotShot, Freezone, etc. Anyone tried any of these?
I've heard all sorts of stories on the conversions to r134a, with which I guess can bust the budget in retro-fitting the A/C system.

 

I just had mine converted to 134a. And it busted the budget...not because of the conversion, but because the "mechanic" (I'm using the term loosely here) who converted it didn't put any oil in it and burned up the compressor. After finding a NEW mechanic and repairing the damage, runs cool as a cucumber. The conversion would not have cost much if it had been done right the first time.

 

The conversion process is not a budget buster if you do the work yourself, and do it properly. I would stay away from the blends, stay with R-12, or do a proper conversion to R-134.

Go to: http://www.ackits.com/forum/categories.cfm?catid=17 for conversion proceedures.

 

It's been a few years since I had mine converted but I paid $500. and got a new style compressor, lines, dryer etc. It works real good.

 

I use R-406 (Autofrost). I have had it in my truck for three years now without any problems at all. It is available from www.autofrost.com. No oil change or anything else is necessary. I just recovered the old refrigerant and pulled a good vacuum on the system and charged it with R-406. I have used this stuff in ice machines and beer coolers also without any problems.

 

R-416 drop it right in

 

You can also just drop in R-134a into the system just bleed out the r-12 and put in new oil and freon and your in buissness, the conversions are just so parts houses can make more money.

 

Ditto what BroncoRoadKill said!
I converted mine about 4 years ago and it is just now needing a little boost! I got one of the kits from my local autoparts stores and did it myself in about 30min. I bleed out the R-12(what was left of it) and installed the new R-134A fittings and started it up and cliped on the hose and opend the can and the clutch kicked in and started to blow cool air, after the second and third can it got COLD!!!!
Save yourself some money and do it yourself, I talked to several mechanics that said you could not do it you had to suck the old stuff out and then put the new stuff in, another told me it needed to be flushed and all this costs $$$$$ I said screw it, and did it myself.