87 civic 4wd wagon

I'm thinking of scavenging a conplete air conditioning system from the junk yard to install into my 87' 1500 wagon. I know this older systems used freon R-12. Is there any wisdom concerning the pitfalls and/or issues with doing this? After sitting in the "yard" for who-knows-how-long" would the components still be usuable? If not, which ones? Thanks for any help.

Just make sure the compressor turns freely and that the condenser seems OK. Obviously, don't pull a system that appears damaged. You might also need the crankshaft pulley from the donor car, check to see if your pulley has an extra grove for the A/C belt. Once you have all the components installed you will need to take it to a certified mechanic to have it pressure tested then filled with recycled R-12. Since R-12 was banned in the mid 90s you should be able to use R-134a instead.

Try to pull an A/C system from a car like yours. The body of the Civic 4WD is different from the Civic HB and CRX, so I'm not sure if the tubing from another model will fit in your car without modifications.

Also, invest in a set of tubing wrenches. Nothing is more frustrating than rounding out the fittings with a standard open-end wrench.

It should be a relatively simple installation, but the wiring might cause a small headache.

FYI, I'm not an A/C specialist, but I've done some research on this topic, in the hopes of adapting A/C into older cars.

Just make sure the compressor turns freely and that the condenser seems OK. Obviously, don't pull a system that appears damaged. You might also need the crankshaft pulley from the donor car, check to see if your pulley has an extra grove for the A/C belt. Once you have all the components installed you will need to take it to a certified mechanic to have it pressure tested then filled with recycled R-12. Since R-12 was banned in the mid 90s you should be able to use R-134a instead.

Try to pull an A/C system from a car like yours. The body of the Civic 4WD is different from the Civic HB and CRX, so I'm not sure if the tubing from another model will fit in your car without modifications.

Also, invest in a set of tubing wrenches. Nothing is more frustrating than rounding out the fittings with a standard open-end wrench.

It should be a relatively simple installation, but the wiring might cause a small headache.

FYI, I'm not an A/C specialist, but I've done some research on this topic, in the hopes of adapting A/C into older cars.
Thanks lxndr!

Pulled a good system this AM after talking to a shop that will get it running with r-12 after I'm done installing. Now, which way did that copper hose fit? Should have taken pictures. System looks clean inside, rubber O-rings are still elastic. Thanbks for your thoughts - I let you know how it turns out.