I've searched the forum and can't find a well explained (based on my knowledge level) tutorial on how to retrofit my ac system.
It's still an R12 system I believe. I had the engine rebuilt a few years ago and they recharged it with something. Said it wasn't going to work as well. It hasn't and after several years it doesn't work well at all.
After 5 decent fixes learned on this forum I'm ready to do this project. Any help?

 

Maybe your R12 system can be repaired. What are the symptoms?

 

I think my system is all good and intact. I just don't think you can get the R12 fluid anymore. The symptoms are that it doesn't blow very cool air.
I'll expand on my problem:
When my engine was rebuilt, they recharged my ac system out of kindness but with some other type of "coolant" that I was told wouldn't work terribly well because I had the old type of ac system. I was quoted around $1K to upgrade it by a mechanic.
I live in northern California and it's going to get really hot pretty soon. Just wondering if I could upgrade the system myself and save some money.
I've done a little research and it sounds like the little kits you can buy to retrofit to a R134 at autozone are not what they seem. Oil, condenser and fittings are things that need changing.

 

One can still get the r12 but you have to be licensed with the epa to purchase it. However because someone did a retrofit it's possible that you can no longer use it as r12 is not compatible with r134a. If the used something like freeze 12 then you might be in luck. For a complete retrofit you will need a compressor from any 94-00 civic. The evap core, lines, condenser, dryer from any 94-95 civic. Then you will need a vacuum and a set of gauges. Deschlong has a good writeup about adding a cabin filter and what alternative under dash swaps will fit for it

 

As mentioned, R12 is still available. Sounds like the system may have a leak, and the mechanic recharged it with R134a. Take your car to a shop that specializes in automotive A/C. Ask them to recover old refrigerant and oil, and to leak test the system. If the system holds vacuum (no leaks), then ask them to recharge with R12 and the correct oil.