Jenny,
About the R134a, I advise against it.
I converted my '90 westy to R134a a couple of
years ago, and wrote about it to the list.
I did the whole works, replaced all the seals,
put in a new ac compressor, drier, regulator.
For different reasons, I converted back to R12.
The R134a didn't seem to stay fully in the system
very long, and the cooling efficiency was ok at
first, but dropped off fast after several months.
The new cars using R134a use stronger rubber
hoses. There are some unanswered questions about
the R134a being more toxic than the R12,
so you really don't want to have the stuff seep
while sleeping in the westy (right above your head
in the back bunk). Imho stick with the R12.
About the shocks, I use the KYB all around.
I think they're a good deal and adequate.
Harald
http://www.geocities.com/harald_nancy/
(just updated to include history of the vanagon)

----- Original Message -----
From: "Jenny Loerzel" <jensmiles2@HOTMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Friday, April 13, 2001 12:05 PM
Subject: R134 question / front shocks

> Hello,
> I am going to try to get my a/c on my '87 Westy up and running for this
> summer.  It hasn't ever run since I purchased her from the PO a year ago.
I
> noticed that BD carries an a/c conversion kit.  Has anyone had experience
> with this product?  If so, was it easy to install?  Would it be something
> myself and another list member could handle alone?  What other parts will
I
> have to purchase to make the conversion complete?
>
> Also, I recently replaced my rear shocks with the KYB's.  They work great!
> Now, I would like to replace the front ones, but was told that the KYB's
> might not be the best shicks for the front.  Could I get some feedback
from
> some people that have replaced their front shocks?  Which is the best,
> Bilstein, Boge, or KYB's?  How long are shocks supposed to last?
>
> Please p-mail me as I am on digest.
> Thanks for your time,
> Jen
> Karma Rose - '87 Westy
>