need help recharging ac.....

ok...here's the deal:
car is not a dd so ac has not worked for over 6 years.
i have had a 30lb canister of r12 for ~7 years so now i'm looking to try to get the system up to par.
the system is completely empty and some of the oil has leaked from the compressor when I did my h/c/i swap ~a year ago. i jumpered the lp switch and the comp would not kick on. however, i am getting 12 volts from the plug. i'm thinking it won't kick on cause the system is completely empty.
i am going to purchase a new dryer and an orfice tube line. i also want to replace all the orings but i need to know which r12 specfic ones to purchase and where are all the install points. i already have a set of gauges and a vacuum pump that i have never used.
what type of oil do i need and how much (lost some from the compressor plus i'll be replacing a line and the dryer). should i completely drain the comp and start from scratch? where can i get the oil?
i feel i'm very capable of doing this just need a little help on the steps and exactly what i need to r/r.
or if anyone thinks i would be easier going to r134a let me know why.
thanks

89 Saleen#455 said:

Even if the system is completely empty, jumping the low pressure switch (harness on top of accumulator) WILL start the compressor on a properly functioning system. Sounds like the clutch may be shot.

Here's a great write-up from Putter on A/C recharging. It's geared towards a R134a conversion, but the process also applies to R12 recharges. If you're going through the trouble of tearing down the entire system, I would go ahead and covert to R-134A. It's not that difficult and the 134A gas is readily available.

Either way you go (R12 or R134) use a product called Nylog on your O-rings. It does a great job of preventing the O-Rings from drying out on a car that only sees weekend use.

R12 to R134A Conversion on 1988 Mustang LX 5

Click to expand...

ok...seems as i was doing this incorrectly as the comp did kick on when i jumpered it.
i'll check puter's link.
thanks