DIY Air Conditioning re-fill in my 1989 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am

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Products used in this video (may contain affiliate links)
Multicool HC12 Highly Flammable Refrigerant 420g With Gauge
www.amazon.fr/...
VEVOR AC Refrigerant Vacuum Pump with Gauges 4.8CFM
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Join me, Mario, as I take you on a captivating journey through me talking about the work done on the restoration and upgrades of my beloved 1989 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am. With unwavering determination, I triumphed over the challenge of fixing the non-working air conditioning system, breathing new life into it with the help of a remarkable drop-in refrigerant. The scorching heat became no match for the cool and refreshing air that now fills the cabin, elevating my driving experience to new heights.
But the transformation doesn't stop there. Every inch of this iconic American muscle car has undergone meticulous attention. The worn-out headliner has been replaced with lavish Alcantara material, adding a touch of elegance and luxury to the interior. To embrace modern technology, I integrated an Android radio, unlocking a world of entertainment and convenience at my fingertips.
Yet, no journey is without its challenges. The horn, once a silent spectator, yearns to reclaim its voice. A slight glitch, when using the indicator, led to its temporary silence. However, fear not, as I'm committed to rectifying this issue, ensuring a harmonious symphony of sound in perfect alignment with my every turn.
Occasional starting hiccups have made themselves known, believed to be intertwined with the intricacies of the VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). Determined to overcome this hurdle, I am actively exploring solutions, contemplating the replacement or bypassing of the culprit starter enable relay, allowing the Trans Am to roar to life seamlessly.
As I sit behind the wheel, the sheer exhilaration and pleasure derived from driving this masterpiece are immeasurable. The scorching summer days are now a delightful breeze, thanks to the rejuvenated air conditioning system. Embracing its newfound role as my trusted daily driver, the Pontiac Firebird Trans Am has seamlessly integrated into my life, becoming a steadfast companion on the open roads.
Though fuel economy poses its challenges, with city drives demanding their toll, the allure of the mighty V8 engine makes every drop of fuel worthwhile. And as I embark on longer journeys and hit the highways, the car's true spirit comes alive, showcasing a more reasonable consumption rate, providing a glimpse into the harmonious relationship between power and efficiency.
This transformative journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, and I invite you to join me in experiencing the evolution of this legendary automobile. By subscribing to my channel, you'll witness the ongoing saga of the thirdgen Pontiac Firebird, as well as my other classic car endeavors. Let us revel in the timeless beauty and captivating allure of vintage automobiles together, celebrating the perfect harmony of history and innovation.

[@swisscarguy]

Anyone up for some barbecue? 🙈🔥

[@jerobd1jay261]

Hold my beer.... 😂

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

I would love to visit Switzerland 🇨🇭 again!

[@Mrelectric423]

Nice work! The horn, turn signal cancellation cam work will probably be satisfying too. Some people de-pin the wires from the "harmonica " connector and feed through the entire column, others splice them up top thus reusing the old wires that go through the column and exit above the brake pedal area.

[@olegregersen1024]

Not only a Swiss Car Guy but now a Cool Swiss Car Guy. Job well done. (No cake today?)

[@VolkanTaninmis]

Quick tip: adding pipe insulator to exposed aluminum cold side pipes gives instant 2-3 celcius drop in traffic jams. I mean in low rpm's.

[@fevengr9245]

Mario: Good job on the AC. We are visiting a lake area in NE Oklahoma with temps of about 95F but with the humidity, it feels (to me anyway) more like 242 degrees. Going without AC here is just, well, not cool. Since you are becoming a connoisseur of older american cars you should consider adding something like a 77 Lincoln Continental Mark V to your collection. As a bonus, you already have what you need to fix the AC if necessary. Thanks!

[@swisscarguy]

A Lincoln Conetinental - one of the few cars even longer than my Cadillac! 😅 Maybe one day.

[@joakimsoderberg8046]

Great job! My Ac in my 88 trans am Gta is completely empty. Need to sort that out. Greetings from Sweden

[@mannine99]

after fixing two burst pipe i filled my 1992 toyota with R437A (isceon 49+) and AC is ice cold

[@madmatt2024]

The biggest issue with with you did here is that now your system is filled with mixed refrigerant. This means that if somebody recovers it they will contaminate their A/C machine. It will need to be recovered into it's own recovery tank and be disposed of differently than just R12. In the US it would be considered hazardous waste. What you should have done is to bring it to a shop to have the the R12 recovered and then put what you want you want into the system. If it's propane then it can simply be vented into the atmosphere if you need to service it. I've also heard of people charging R12 systems with air duster (R152A) which can also be vented.

[@rkan2]

18:25 - Putting rubber in the roof probably doesn't help much as the rubber is designed to block sound (and tin canning). Roof usually contributes by reflecting road noise through the windows and wheel arches so you'd want to put something absorbent in the roof - which is not easy since you'd want something thick.

[@Goc67]

Interesting to hear about your success with the AC, but I would have gone to the AC shop and have it done properly for just another 100€. Enough talk, grab your spanners and start the next job. First the horn, then the door window. Next weekend?

[@davebarron5939]

Part of your fuel problem is, those (like my 83 Z28) have only 15+ gallon fuel tanks, so they are pretty small. Enjoy your work. Thanks.

[@jerobd1jay261]

Considering u had a sl AMG, and the infamous phaeton......the petrol consumption means nothing to you😂😂😂😂

[@swisscarguy]

Yepp, I am hardened in that regard. But I am convinced that going forward in time fuel will only become more expensive. So, best taking advantage of 'cheap' fuel prices right now.

[@jerobd1jay261]

@swisscarguy yep, that is why I have a v8 cls as you probably know with a tunned......I just love the smell of it burning while I can😊😉👍

[@Zelaznogsiul-63]

Have you changed the spark plugs in the trans am? Not fun at all, and the fuel Pump not fun either. Love the video.

[@swisscarguy]

This is I job I will pay a mechanic to do (soonish) as I know they are not easily accessible. 💩

[@Zelaznogsiul-63]

@@swisscarguy You could do the spark plugs at your parking place, a little bit of a struggle bot doable, I am almost 60 and I can do it. The fuel pump is not complex but very difficult I have done it because I am a poor guy, If I had the money I will pay someone else. But you could do a video about the spark plugs replacement, I will watch it and share your suffering.

[@Berniessen]

Glad i own a Opel Monza made in 1984 with the old GM R12 system from the 80s meaning R12 freon and a Harrison A6 compressor and the best is i got my hands on 20kg R12 (a full 13kg cylinder a 5kg cyl and some ebay USA cans from several years back wenn it was legal on ebay and customs had no idea). But i feel a criminal from my own wallet putting the good old R12 in the system wenn R-290=pure propane but LPG (Propane mixed with a bit Butane) as we call here cost like 0,9$ a litre and it works fine,the so called refined stuff u brought is just a rip off and normal bbq propane would work the same....... I know R290/propane is flamable but ure in the cabin and wenn a accident happens,the engine bay most likely will get a ac leak there and if it burns ure protected by the cabin plus its a few 100 gram amount so its not a hollywood explosion. Wenn i go charge my system as the car is parked in a barn for several years (there is pressure on the system still) i will put in propane.

[@rkan2]

Working on refigerant systems in country neighbouring Germany without a license is legal? 😂 Buying HC12 (propane) is probably the only legal thing lol.

[@swisscarguy]

No idea. Good thing I did all this work in Mexico. 😉