Date:         Mon, 30 Apr 2007 14:10:01 -0700
Reply-To:     "mike ." <mwmiller@CWNET.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         "mike ." <mwmiller@CWNET.COM>
Subject:      Re: A/C Repairs -- Get Out the Vaseline
Comments: To: Ray Reinhard <rayreinhard@GMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <8476375e0704301358h2b1912fam1a443f0baae2f3@mail.gmail.com>
Content-type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

There was a shop right across from Niello's BMW on Fulton, used to be just
AC but now everything, but they no longer will work on Vans. They even were
cross the last time I brought it in for warranty repairs. Call some of the
van repair places in town, Steven's place by Sac City College or someone,
maybe they know of a good AC shop.

Mike


On 4/30/07 1:58 PM, "Ray Reinhard" <rayreinhard@GMAIL.COM> wrote:

> I just took my '86 Camper to the only auto A/C repair shop that I know of in
> the Sacramento, CA area (Polar Bear Auto Air). Because of their apparent
> monopoly, I have been a customer of theirs -- on average about once every
> other year -- since 1990 when I bought the van.
>
> Despite having spent well over $1,000 in repairs, the A/C never seemed to do
> a very good job of cooling, even when it had just been "repaired." The last
> time I was there (around 2003), a compressor that they had installed (but
> was now out of warranty) had burned up. When I showed them my stack of
> receipts, they took pity on me and installed a replacement for free but with
> "absolutely no warranty." I got the impression that they hoped I'd never
> come back.
>
> Once again, the A/C wasn't working so I took it to them today. Their
> verdict: (1) compressor is shot, (2) two long hoses (total about 30') from
> front of van to A/C are leaking and need replacement, and (3) all new
> refrigerant needed (along w/ various and sundry other repairs). The tab:
> $2,565.
>
> When I heard this, I about had a stroke. It seems like it would be less
> costly to replace the whole d--- system. Am I wrong? Also, where can I go
> for a 2nd opinion in the northern California area? I'm really fed up w/
> Polar Bear. The only other place I can find around here that does auto A/C
> repairs, however, is Midas and I've heard too many horror stories about them
> to entrust them to do this work.
>
> --
> Ray Reinhard