I live in San Diego and just got my condenser replaced and r-12 recharged
(yes r-12, it's still widely available down here). The air now blows so cold
(85-90 outside) that I get a headache. I own a 1990 Carat with the overhead
center to front duct style ac.  When I bought the van a few months ago the
a/c didn't work. It turns out the condenser had a hole in it and all the
r-12 had leaked out. If I didn't need the condenser, the total cost would
have been about $300. Well worth it for southern cal and since I'm moving to
Hawaii, really well worth it! Good luck

Ryan