How To: Fox Body Mustang R12 to R134A A/C Conversion (1983-1993) 

I love these videos from LMR, and the kit was great. But there are a couple of things the video neglects that could be/are important. 1) The kit comes with an Evaporator Core, but the video doesn't cover it at all. This is inside the dash, and is one of the hardest jobs on a Fox body. Lookup the Heater Core video. The Evaporator Core is UNDER that, AND requires cutting the blower box to get it out. It's unclear if leaving the existing Evaporator Core is shortening the lifespan of the new kit. I left the new one out, and will use it if the Evaporator ever dies; and will probably be paying someone to install it. 2) If you have an automatic, and are going to remove the Radiator, you have 2 transmission coolant lines running into the radiator to remove. You want to unscrew the outer most fitting (on the line), and be careful not to let the lines bend. Replacing transmission coolant lines are a headache you don't want. With these lines, I don't think you can do this job without removing the radiator, the lines would keep you from pushing the Radiator forward enough to get the Condensor out. 3) With a strut tower brace on, the Accumulator is much harder. I ended up having to take the bracket out to have enough room to get the bottle out. Going back in, I really wished I had put the Accumulator in before putting the Condensor-to-Accumulator line in. If you can take your brace off, might as well do it. But it is possible without removing (depending on the brace, I guess). 4) Spring lock tools are weird. You put them on, and then push the whole line into the fitting (not just the tool), then back it out. 5) It's not clear in the video, but you need to re-use the hex bolts for the Compressor fittings. The kit does not come with any, and you can't use the bolts holding the plates to the Compressor. 6) My Accumulator-to-Condenser line had the wrong O-rings on one end. This drove me nuts, as it wouldn't go on. I finally figured it out when I could see the O-ring sticking out, the fitting was smashing it up the connector instead of going over. Check the O-rings, that they are snug before you put them in! 7) You need a special tool to remove the Schraeder valve stem/core. The video glosses over that, don't get stuck making a trip while the car is apart. 8) The kit does not come with any info about the pressure or amount of R134A. Just the comment of "75% of the R12 sticker". That's roughly 19.5oz. Also, should come with a new sticker - some shop is going to wreck this later if you don't tell them about the conversion.

I just watched the episode on Engine Power featuring you and LMR. Congrats! Its awesome to see you on the show. You did a great job representing LMR.

nice vide this is my favorite fox channel

very very nice and concise explaination

How about the mineral oil that's in the evaporator? Are the amounts minute enough to not cause any issues with PAG oil? Otherwise should I just use Ester oil.. Curious to know as i'll be doing this swap and I want to make sure its done correctly

Thank you i dont have a mustang but i have a 89 grand marquis and most tutorials apply

aLL you have to do is purchase Frosty Cool in Canada and add as needed. Nothing else is needed. Maybe lubricant but 3 cans of Frosty Cool and a vacuum gage is the easiest to do and it is actually cooler than 134. It's felt even cooler than the R-12. Very in expensive bought 3 cans, vacuum gage and lubricant added into system. No problems no mess and no removal of any parts. Use all factory existing parts. Just add like fueling up your car.

Great video I just need a kit like to for my 5.0 bronco!

What a/c compressor switch did you use for the conversion? Original r12 or 134a?

You don't cary this kit anymore ? Im looking for it in youre website but cant find it anymore

Is there a similar kit for 1980 models.

what temperatures are you guys seeing out of the vents with this system? How hot was it outside when you measured it? I'm trying to decide on buying this kit or the ClassicAuto/Original Air kit. Thanks.

Can’t u just recover, flush, vacuum, and recharge the system with pag oil n r134a on the exciting system with the retrofit fittings?

Got a question. You say pick up 10oz of PAG oil. I know from past AC work that this is the spec on these cars (8-10ozs). You put 1 oz in the liquid line (oriface), 1 oz in the accumulator, and 1 oz in the condenser. The compressor was prefilled with 3 oz. So that's a total of 6 oz. I'm about to put mine together so where does the other 4 oz go please? Thanks. Putting this together tomorrow if you can give me a quick answer.

Any idea on why the 1982 is cut off from the fitment years? I would still like to convert. Is there another kit or compressor that would work? Not seeing anything on the LMR site.

I recently replaced my a/c completely with all new parts including the evaporator. I added the required oil and filled it up with freon but i still get 65-70 degress through the vents on high. Any idea why? It has a lincoln mark viii fan on the high side just in case.

I would assume so, but would the kit for the '86 work on an '86 Thunderbird?

F that R12 blows so much cooler!

Why didn't you guys go over the evaporator install? That's the hard part.

ever gonna get this back in stock for the 87??

Does anybody know where to get those safety clips for the condensor by chance?

Which side on the compressor do I pour the oil into?

Does anyone know if this kit would work on my 86 ford thunderbird? Since theyre basically the same car? I noticed alot of the parts look just about the same someone let me know!

Do I need to put the full 24 ounces in there

Where does the orfice go and in what line?

How come you guys don’t offer just A/C compressors for R-134a?? I don’t need a conversion kit, I just need a new compressor

Why are the new compressors painted black? I much prefer them left in the white like the factory had them.

I took off my condenser without removing the radiator. I made a quick video on my channel if you want to check it out. LMR is the best Foxbody channel!!

Wish it wasn’t so expensive

really wish i could slap a super charger on my 50 without moving the alternator. hmmmmmm maybe ill just turbo it

LMR is selling cheap components from you know where. They are not even being honest about the fact that the evaporator is a critical component to gain maximum cooling when converting from R12 to R134. It is not included in the kit and it is a heck of an undertaking to remove/replace by taking out the dash entirely. WARRANTY is only ONE year when most people order in advance as they work on their build, so you're SOL if you don't get around to installing it shortly after it is shipped. BTW WARRANTY ONLY applies with proof that a certified shop did the work. Read the fine print !