My 85 Westy is in the shop for AC repair.  The mechanic says at least
one of the hoses has a bad leak and must be repaired.  He says the
parts are no longer available so it must be "sent out for repair on a
time & materials basis to a hose fixing shop" and that until the
hoses are fixed he can't tell whether the compressor is shot.

Questions:
1) Is it true about there not being replacement hoses to purchase?
2) Has anyone else had to do this?  What did the hose repair cost?
Shouldn't they be able to give me a ballpark quote?
3) If the compressor is shot too, what would a new (rebuilt) one cost?
4) If anyone has good quality used replacement hoses, email me!

I live in SoCal and make frequent desert trips, so having a working
AC is really high on my list of priorities.

Thanks again.
-mike