Air Conditioning needs replacing, Anyone know how I can save some Dough??

[One Ford 4x4]

I recently purchased my 91 Eplorer 4x4 4.0 Eddie Bauer and found out the Air Doesn't need a re-charge it needs to be completly replaced. Wow, talk about shock when I found out how much to buy the parts! My brother is a Ford Tech and will be helping me re do it but I need to know if anyone knows where I can order the Parts a Little cheaper than $600. Please Let me know
Thanks All

 

[mrboyle]

The s**t's expensive isn't it? The only way you may be able to save money would be buying the parts from a discount parts store, but remember, you get what you pay for!

 

[TEX]

It only costs 20 bucks to get AC certified over the web!

A couple of years ago I had a similar problem. I found a web site called http://www.EPATEST.com where you can go and get fully EPA certified for about $20!!! I couldn't believe it. You take the test online with the exam in one window, and the study guide/answer guide open in another. the whole thing took about 20 minutes and they mail you a totally legitimate certification card in the mail. After I took the test, I wwent down to my local salvage yard and bought a 20 dollar AC compressor. A couple of days later, my cartification card came in the mail and I drove down to Autozone and LEGALLY bought a couple of cans of Freon. The real R-12 stuff, not the 134a that anyone can get.
The site is real and will save you TONS of money if you are willing to do the work yourself.

Best of Luck!
Chris Scott
chris@smartyparts.com

 

[MikeP]

How much did the R12 cost you?

Chris
Sounds like a great deal! Do you recall about how much the R12 cost you? For those of us with R12 in our Explorers and which need a refill of about 1 can per year, this might be the way to go!!! Mike in Seattle with 91 XLT 4x4

 

[TEX]

In Texas, R12 was $36.00 / can. Guages were about $45.00. n/m

 

[flyguy]

I dont know if its still there, but on Ebay there was a new ford explorer AC compressor going for like $180 at the time. Also, http://www.fordpartsnetwork.com had oem ford parts for about 1/3 off the dealer prices.

Nick