The recent heat and humidity here in VA have me convinced I need to fix/update the old R-12 AC system on our V8. The car is an 83 245 with some of the original hoses and hard parts. The compressor is a 6P148 from an 89 Mustang, so it's 16 years old--with about 150k miles on the unit.

I already have a line on a new AC compressor, plus the Volvo R-134 retrofit kit. I've also been thinking about installing a new AC clutch, hoses, etc. while I'm at it. Some questions are:

Any tips/BTDTs on the clutch install? (my manual just says "remove from old compressor and install on new unit") Can one replace the AC compressor clutch without losing the system charge?

Is there anything special I need to do to the compressor other than changing the compressor oil?

Has anyone ever made a custom evap-to-compressor hose? (low side I think?) I'd like to build a hose with the Mustang's tube/connector at the compressor and the Volvo tube at the evaporator (that way I can avoid the big bend in the hose at the compressor).

FPC looks to have good prices on the AC hoses, but they're not OEM--any experience with these?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts and suggestions!

Steve A-