> A new Sanden 508 for the vanagon cost about $300-$400.

Actually $285 from me (or less for rebuilt). But the SD508 was only commonly
used on 1.9 liter Vanagons. Most 2.1 liter Vanagons took an SD709 (or, less
commonly, an SD510 was used on some 1.9L and 2.1L Vanagons). 

Roger is corect that if you found an SD508 in a junkyard that was in good
shape but had a different head, you could swap the head from your old one
(if it too was in good shape) and hopefully make one good compressor out of
two used ones. But of course this would only work if you have a 1.9L Vanagon
that takes an SD508 to begin with. (SD709's are not as common in junkyards.)

We do sell replacement compressors (new and rebuilt) as well as many repair
parts for them, such as clutches, clutch bearings, o-rings, etc. Also other
related A/C parts, such as receiver/dryers, R134A conversion kits, expansion
valves, high-pressure switches, etc. I deal directly with a major U.S. A/C
parts supplier, so this is OE quality stuff for much lower than dealer
prices. Our site also provides information on visually identifying which
compressor you have.

Finally, it's worth noting that anytime you replace your compressor, you
should replace your receiver/dryer as well. In fact Sanden will only
warranty their new compressors if the receiver/dryer was replaced at the
same time. (Fortunately, new receiver/dryers are not all that expensive, and
relatively common failure items, so it's a good idea anyway even if just as
a preventative measure.)

- Ron Salmon
  The Bus Depot, Inc.
  www.busdepot.com
  (215)  234-VWVW

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