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

1983-1993 A/C Conversion Kits: latemodelres.to/ACconversionKi...
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How To Charge Your Mustangs A/C: • How to Recharge Mustan...
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5.0 Resto Factory Style R134a A/C Conversion.
Ensure your 1983-1993 Mustang's air conditioning system is functioning at full potential with this factory style R134a conversion system. The factory hoses and components are most likely dry rotted or defective by now. Between the age of your factory A/C system and the hassle of getting R-12 refrigerant, the answer is to convert to R134a refrigerant.
R134a Refrigerant.
Converting from R12 to R134a freon is becoming more and more common. Simply because the R134a refrigerant is cheaper, readily available, and can be bought without a license. Unfortunately, when R134a is introduced into a stock R12 system with nothing more than a few new seals and some oil (like the popular R-134a conversion kits you see at the parts store), the A/C system isn't as efficient and vent-outlet temperatures rise. The best way to repair your A/C system and properly convert to R134a is to replace the components that have been using R12 for all of these years.
Complete Conversion Kit.
Your factory hoses and other a/c components are most likely rotted or leaking by now. This kit includes new hoses, condenser, and a re-manufactured compressor. This ensures you don't have any components with R12 residue left in the system. The compressor includes the correct fittings and service ports to accept R134a refrigerant/freon.
Installation Note:
- The compressor ships dry, meaning it has no oil. The compressor needs to be filled with 10oz of PAG 46 oil and 24oz of R134a refrigerant.
Fitment Notes:
- Will only work on Mustangs equipped with A/C from the factory. -
- Dealer installed A/C or non-A/C equipped Mustangs will not work.
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Use of this video is subject to the terms as set forth in our LMR Install Video Disclaimer | lmr.com/page/lmr-install-vide...

[@Mock1YT]

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.

[@mikeleyshon1799]

It does not include an evaporator ! You are well written, just read !!!

[@justin.c_svt]

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.

[@latemodelrestoration]

Justin - Thanks for the compliment! I greatly appreciate it! Engine Power was a very cool experience, no doubt. -Landan

[@javondaves5822]

nice vide this is my favorite fox channel

[@Tuka-007]

very very nice and concise explaination

[@coolguy2370]

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

[@WEBBBASSIST9]

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

[@nikkodnp]

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

[@alexanderorellana422]

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

[@microminiskirt]

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.

[@pedrocampos2664]

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

[@user-fu7mi5rr7t]

Is there a similar kit for 1980 models.

[@cwc73]

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.

[@latemodelrestoration]

Chris - Our shop temperature was approximately 85 degrees after we installed this kit and it was blowing approximately 37 degrees from the vents. We did not measure this outside on a hot Texas afternoon. I did recently drive the car when it was about 101 degrees outside and this system felt great! Hope this helps. -Landan

[@waynestinyworld]

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.

[@latemodelrestoration]

Wayne - I used roughly 4-5 ounces of oil for this kit. I mention 10oz so everyone would have plenty just in case. -Landan

[@waynestinyworld]

Thanks for the quick reply. The fox system specs 10oz for the whole system as stated in your description "Installation Note: - The compressor ships dry, meaning it has no oil. The compressor needs to be filled with 10oz of PAG 46 oil and 24oz of R134a refrigerant." Just trying to figure out why after years of 10oz specs on these cars it's now half that??? I don't want to trash a compressor. I called in earlier and was told yes 10 oz is the proper amount. Please explain. Thanks Landan.

[@jesuscastro2006]

About to undergo the conversion my self just have that same doubt on how much oil to use, any updates?

[@THEOAKLANDBABY510]

Wayne Waldrep update?

[@travis00017]

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.

[@latemodelrestoration]

Hi Travis! Here is the kit for 1982. Unfortunately, we are out of stock with no ETA. We recommend signing up for a back-in-stock email. If you have any more questions, feel free to reach out to our customer service department (lmr.com/contact) lmr.com/item/LRS-19703A-K/mustang-factory-style-r-134a-ac-coversion-8385-50l

[@alexanderorellana422]

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.

[@latemodelrestoration]

Give us a call at 1-866-507-3786 or email us using the link below and a CCR can assist you with finding the best solution to fix the cooling issues with the A/C - lmr.com/contact

[@Allmotorzl1]

Ever figure it out,

[@cesar101387]

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

[@mr.gilliam5597]

Thats what I did and it worked fine for years...

[@aliqq4740]

Me too, & it still works fine

[@PepeJohnson-ih8eq]

@@mr.gilliam5597did you reuse the condenser from the original r12 setup?

[@johnvaluk1401]

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

[@latemodelrestoration]

John, We are scheduled to have the kit back in stock on September 19th!

[@nicksmith9358]

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

[@latemodelrestoration]

Hi Nick, We have not tested this kit on any of the Thunderbird applications. We have only tested on 83-93 Fox Body Mustangs.

[@Scrapla1]

F that R12 blows so much cooler!

[@dapetik]

Can you get it anywhere?

[@TheMasterPlumber]

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

[@latemodelrestoration]

Shaun - I will pass that idea to our video coordinator! Thanks. -Landan

[@hu9678]

That’s What I say! You got to really explain more from the beginning. The instructions explains more!

[@thekaminator]

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

[@latemodelrestoration]

Hi Damian, Unfortunately, we do not offer the safety clips. However, we do recommend checking your local auto parts store or trying to source some from a friend or a private seller through a Facebook group.

[@n00bcak35]

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!

[@latemodelrestoration]

Thanks for the question. This kit was built based on a Fox Body Mustang. While the '86 Thunderbirds shared similar parts, there could be small differences that would not allow this kit to work for your application. -Landan

[@tonytruong2058]

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

[@latemodelrestoration]

Either side is fine. The oil circulates through the entire system. Ideally, I would pour it into the suction side and rotate the compressor a couple of times to pull some oil through it.

[@Rollye10]

Do I need to put the full 24 ounces in there

[@latemodelrestoration]

You'll add freon based on what the gauges are telling you. Never just "add" a specific amount of freon. I would run the car down to your local shop and have them professionally charge the system.

[@MrLocomechanic]

Where does the orfice go and in what line?

[@latemodelrestoration]

The liquid line already has this orifice tube pre-installed within the line now. If any extra was included, you do not need to use this other one in the box.

[@MrLocomechanic]

Ok thank you for your reply

[@MrLocomechanic]

Which line are you referring to as liquid line? I was told it goes between the accumulator and evaporator in the line with the screw on nut.

[@CombsTowerProductions]

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

[@latemodelrestoration]

Thank you for your interest in our products and doing business with us. Without purchasing all of the other components in the kits, it makes it very hard to get a warranty claim on a compressor if something were to happen down the road with it. The manufacturer will only cover the compressor under warranty if all of the other components are purchased and replaced along with the compressor. We really do apologize for this, and we look forward to helping you out in the future with your projects. Have a great day!

[@jeffryglasgow1662]

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

[@TBird100636]

Because they are remanufactured compressors which are usually painted black by the rebuilder.

[@UFOGHOSTHUNTER]

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!!

[@spiderz_1167]

Wish it wasn’t so expensive

[@latemodelrestoration]

Pricing is important to us. We do our best to stay competitive. Be sure you're signed up for our newsletter that way you're notified of sales and promotions of products. Thanks. -Landan

[@yellowdoghnut45]

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

[@mikeleyshon1799]

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 !

[@latemodelrestoration]

Hey Mike. Have you reached out to our customer care team yet about this? If not, please shoot me an email. I want to make sure we get you taken care of. Thanks. -Landan landan(at)lmr(dot)com

[@latemodelrestoration]

Mike. I haven't seen your email come through yet. Please reach out at your earliest convenience. Thanks. -Landan

[@latemodelrestoration]

Mike, We value your feedback and would like to discuss your feedback about the conversion kits. Again, please email me whenever you have time. -Landan

[@mikeleyshon1799]

@@latemodelrestorationYou can discount this response as you will Landen. I did not buy the R134 coversion system. I charged the system for a friend who did with a 1990 Mustang and it works fine. I was disappointed to see what looked like a condenser and compressor painted with a rattle can in black. Looks like painted used parts/cheap imported junk. Just be honest to your customers about where the parts of the kit are sourced, and further emphasize LMR is not likely to warrant this kit without proof it was installed by a certified A/C technician. You sell a lot of great products we all appreciate, this one doesn't look like a winner.

[@latemodelrestoration]

@@mikeleyshon1799 Thanks for the reply and for clarifying your experience with the kit. If we weren't honest about something, please let me know. I apologize that the parts did not meet your specific standards. I'll forward your bullet points to our product team, so they can take a closer look. As far as the warranty is concerned, we'll do our absolute best to ensure that customers are taken care of. We understand that builds/projects take time, and we'll take each situation (as they arise) case by case since they are all a little different. Again, thank you very much for taking the time to reply. Take care and have a great day! -Landan