You can still get R12 but it cost an arm and a leg. Probably not a good
idea to try to replace it with a newer refrigerant.

If you are into building a small well insulated box it is possible to gut a
little 1.7 cu.ft. box and use the parts. These little boxes only have an
inch or so of insulation so a well insulated box will help a lot. Don't try
just wrapping one with more insulation because moisture will condense on the
sheet metal and rust it out.

They are sealed R-134 systems so if you have to open it you should get a
tech to evacuate it, add a service valve and seal it up once you get it all
set up. You would need to add some protection for the rollbond evaporator
because the ones in those cheap refers are pretty delicate. Try to mount it
is about the same orientation as there is a top and a bottom. Don't attempt
to reshape one because without the right equipment you will probably crimp
the tubing. Pay attention to where the thermostat tube mounts on the
evaporator and put it back in the same place. The condenser is just a
length of copper tube mounted on the back with brackets. You could put it
anywhere as long as it has good ventilation and is not to far from the rest
of the equipment.

--
Glenn Ashmore

I'm building a 45' cutter in strip/composite. Watch my progress (or lack
there of) at: http://www.rutuonline.com
Shameless Commercial Division: http://www.spade-anchor-us.com

"Roger Long" wrote in message
...
If one of these old R-12 units springs a leak is it toast or can it be
refilled (legally) with a currently available refrigerant?

My other question, closely related, is what you think about pulling the
working stuff out of one of these and installing it in the icebox. Since I
would have to break some lines somewhere, recharging would be an issue.

--

Roger Long