Im not sure if this question has been answered yet but im looking at investing in a 1989 Camaro RS 305 V8. The seller has advised me that the cooling system needs to be vacuumed and R12 added. Is this usually the issue with 1989 camaro or what else do i need to look for when i go and see if this is not the case and its something more severe. Any help would be appreciated. I have never messed with a cooling system on a camaro- sorry :/

Huh?

The "cooling system" cools the engine and auto trans and requires anti-freeze.

The A/C system cools the cabin and requires refrigerant R12; could be hard to find as it is technically out of production. R134a replaced it but may require a stronger compressor and other changes depending on the application. Google R12 for all the info there is.

If the A/C does not work because the refrigerant is gone the system has a leak that needs to be repaired.

I own a 1989 Camaro. I do not suggest buying one as an investment. Fun, reliable, not a collector car and not going up in value anytime soon.

i didnt mean "investing" I guess i should have said looking at buying one for my entertainment. Thanks

If the seller is saying that it needs to be vacuumed and R12 added, I would suggest using a Kirby or a Hoover!! No, no, just kidding!!!!

I hate to tell you this, but usually that statement is a sign that the seller knows the A/C is shot and that you will need a new system. You have to expect to pay about $1200 for it to be made good. It could cost more, but chances are it won't. It would only cost more if it needs an evaporator, which it probably won't. Based on your question, this is not something you will undertake yourself. Leave this for a professional, but include this as part of the car's price. I don't know what you are paying for the car, but like was said above, not a popular Camaro. So don't overpay if you are not expecting this expense.

Good luck. And remember, if you like the car, don't worry about its popularity. But, don't pay to much, when you know you will have the expense. There are a lot of 89's for sale. Is it a rare one????

anabri09
I would suggest getting on one of the local Austin, TX F-body forums and ask for someone to meet you to look at the car. There is a 3rd Gen site and a 4th Gen site ( this has a lot owners that have different gens and Vettes).

You probably can even find someone to help do the work of replacing the parts you need for a lot cheaper price then a shop in town.

Do a google search for the websites by putting in f-body austin, tx.
Ray

You need some honest answers here.

You'll have to have the AC system properly diagnosed.
Wild guesses are just that.

My experience has been the R4 compressor probably leaks freon.
A re-re-rebuilt one at your local chain parts store is about $150.
Avoid them if possible.
NAPA does have a better solution. The Compressors are a better rebuild, and NAPA also sells them in a kit to properly convert it to R134.
Napa also offers a longer warranty that way and its priced cheaper as their kit, than individually buying the parts in the kit.
GM as everyone else knew in the mid 80's that R12 was going away. The Evaporator and Condensers were redesigned to work with R134, so You will be fine in that regards. Your system will work very well with it converted to R134.

Of course the leak could be a 10¢ o-ring at a fitting. It could be one of the major parts, Compressor, Condenser, evaporator. Or an intermediate part like the Accumulator fittings, hoses or fittings. That is why a diagnosis is required. Its money well spent so you aren't throwing parts at the problem.

If the R4 compressor has been without a charge for a while, more than likely it will leak when filled.