New to this; 986 condenser replacement?

[Newguy123]

Hi everyone, I'm very new to this forum as well as Porsche. I recently got a 1999 986 and it had some front end damage. After taking it apart I noticed the passenger's side condenser had a crack in it and it would need to be replaced. Am I able to just swap it out with a new condenser and be good to go? Or is there a specific way to do it where I need to bleed the system/lubricate before replacing/adding oil or coolant on top after? This is all new to me, and I thought I'd take the proper steps to ask before doing something and messing up the car's engine. Thank you for all the help 

[JFP in PA]

If you do not have the correct equipment to recover the freon out of the system before replacing the unit, take it to an A/C pro that does.  These systems require that the old freon be pumped out, parts replaced, vacuum pulled on the entire system to both dry it out and check for leaks, and then it be recharged with the correct amount of gas and lubricant oil; this is decidedly not a backyard mechanic project.

[Newguy123]

1 hour ago, JFP in PA said:

If you do not have the correct equipment to recover the freon out of the system before replacing the unit, take it to an A/C pro that does.  These systems require that the old freon be pumped out, parts replaced, vacuum pulled on the entire system to both dry it out and check for leaks, and then it be recharged with the correct amount of gas and lubricant oil; this is decidedly not a backyard mechanic project.

In the photo the condenser was already cracked. Is the freon still in the system or has it leaked out already? If so can I swap it and have the guys vacuum/refill it with freon?

[JFP in PA]

The only way to know the answer is to connect a set of A/C test gauges to the system and see what the pressure of the system is: