Ford Repair: 1987 Ford Mustang GT - 5.0, r 134a, ford mustang

Question
QUESTION: Hi James, I would like to find out what would need to be done to properly retrofit my Mustang form R-12 to R-134A. What parts need to be changed, if any?
Thank you.

ANSWER: It really depends how much money you would like to spend. You can buy a conversion kit relatively cheap. It basically just adds an adapter to where the fittings connect. You just need to be sure that the system is evacuated before adding the new refrigerant. The best and most effective way to convert the system would be to buy a new compressor, evaporator, drier, and o-ings.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for the quick response. I just have a question concerning the compressor. Is there a design difference or something for the 134-A vs the R-12? If not, what would be the added benefit to purchasing a new one if the old one is working okay - just curious. Thanks again for your help.

Answer
The compressors for 134 are more efficient. Giving the availability of 134 and the cheap price, also the fact that it doesn't harm the atmosphere like R-12. However, R-12 does cool a lot better. If you're system is in relatively good shape and still works. I would personally find a shop to add the R-12. However, if said shop finds any leak what so ever, they will refuse to charge the system. R134 is a lot thinner than R-12 so it eats at the O-rings a lot faster than R-12. That is one of the reasons why you will never get more than a 1 year warranty on any R-134 parts.