? for A/C Techs on Artic-Kar underdash

My wife won't ride in the Merc (Can't blame her with Indiana summers) so I need A/C. I have an Artic-Kar Star Line #6294 that a friend gave me 20 or 30 years ago that I'd like to use, but have some questions.

Is this unit compatible with an old style GM compressor from a 73 Monte Carlo? I have all pully's and mounts off of a 73 Monte which would make for an easier installation.

Does size matter for evaporator, does it have to be matched to compressor and the condenser in the Artic-Kar underdash unit?

I don't think a dryer came with this unit, do I need and can I use one with the Artic-Kar unit?

If I need to go with a new compressor, can I use R134 with Artic-Kar or can I use R12? (I have easy access to R12)

Any recommendations on new compressor and mounts if I need it?
Thanks

 

Has your Artic-Kar unit been sealed up? take a look inside the tubes or blow them out into a clean rag to check for internal corrosion. If corrosion is present it will get into the expansion valve a plug it up.
If unit is clean put it in. Compressors don't care about evaporator size. A Suburban has a front and rear evaporator and uses the same compressor.
Is your A/C compressor an A6 (longer tube) or R4 pancake style. On the A6 check the oil in the sump, little tummy on bottom, the R4 is lubricated by the refrigerant. The oil you use will depend on the refrigerant you chose. R12 will probably not leak past the compressor seals as fast as R134a. Molecule size 12 times smaller on R134a.
Add 2oz of refrigerant oil to each component, condenser, receiver drier, evaporator and work some through the compressor while rotating.
Make up some hoses get a inlet screen to put in the compressor to catch any debris evacuate it to 29.5Hg and charge it up watching your gauges.
32-36 psi low side 100psi over ambient temp on high side for R12.
24-28 psi low side for R134a.
Seal your condenser to the radiator for good air flow, use a fan shroud and a 7 bladed flex fan or fan clutch. Or, an electric fan that comes on with the compressor.
Good luck! Be Cool!

 

Interstate knows what he's talking aobut.
only thing I need to add is that the 73 compressor probably has flare fittings on it, and the prefered fittings for R134 are O-ring, for the same reasons stated above...smaller molecules leak past flare fittings easier.
Also if you use 134, be sure to buy the right hoses for it (barrier hose).