Last week I was told by a professional Volvo repair guy that I at least need a new condensor, and probably a couple of hoses as well. My idea was to keep the R12, and he said HE would charge $800 to replace the bad condenser and recharge with R12.
$800 is more than a tad too high for me, esp since they sell new condensers at FPC Groton for about $139.00.
I'd like to do as much of this repair myself as I can and need some direction from the Board.
Should I get a conversion kit? Is it a DIY type job. I don't have a vacume, but I learned from another post that JC Whitney sells the right vacuum for apx $75. I'm willing to get one, if the entire process offers me a solution and gets me some functioning A/C without spending big bucks.
If I go in the DIY direction, in what way would a "professional" need to be involved?
I'm fairly handy with tools, although I don't have any of the specialized tools needed to A/C repair.
Any and all input is very welcome. Thanks.

I'm assuming your condensor has a hole or cracked? You can vacuum out your existing system and get another from FPC or a junkyard. You could then fill it up with freeze-12, a r12 subsitute.

To be legal you may consider having the system evacuated by a shop that can reclaim the R12 and do the rest yourself.

I just converted my '92 wagon to 134a using the Volvo kit- wasn't too bad and it now blows 38-40 degrees at the vent. My system had no charge so I evacuated it myself using a cheapo $10 Harbor Freight vacuum pump prior to recharging. It there is any significant amount of R-12 in your system, the responsible thing to do is have a shop evacuate and recover the R-12 before you take it apart.

A 1990 will be harder to convert as there is more to replace. I'm sure someone will have more information, although I recall spending $800 to have my wifes '88 sedan converted by Volvo about three years ago.

Keep in mind that the 92 had the "much better" GM based AC system which provided an easy migration path to R134A. The conversion of a 90 AC system is a bit more complex.

jorrell
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92 245 245K miles, IPD'd to the hilt, 06 XC70, 00 Eclipse custom Turbo setup...currently close to running again!