Original always best IMHO
Just tried to reply, but it seems to have been lost in hyperspace...
My Chrysler Valiant had a factory R-12 system...and YORK compressor, kept us cool on middle fan speed on a day that melted the bitumen road..and left lots of it coating the inside of our wheel arches... Bonus sound=proofing!
Don't think the previous owner re-gassed it, and we certainly did'nt. Nor did it need it.
Likewise our 20 year old Mazda has its original R-12 and its tiny Sanden compressor, and is still more than adequate on the hottest day parked in the sun...
My 95 Classic is factory-fitted with R-134a and Im *NOT* impressed with it on a very hot day. Its going to get bang-gas on the first possible excuse.
My own approach would be to stick with the original or nearest equivalent or BETTER. Certainly would'nt want a less-efficient gas, like R-134a. Simply, your system was designed for R-12, NOT R-134a, and as the previous poster mentioned, 134 needs a larger condenser to give the same performance. -You don't have enough room to put the bigger one in....
Some links worth looking at...
GRIEVANCE DEBATE Greenhouse Gases
and: Good Environmental Choice Australia
Welcome To GreenFreeze Technology
and
Technical Product Information
Cynical & annoyed James from Perth, WA
The EH, a 95 Classic Vogue, now with working EAS, mediocre air-con, and (still) dead Cruise Control...