I think vw changed the access ports on the vanagon in '87.Made it smaller.
This, so folks cant hook up  a can of freon to the high side and blow
themselves up. Your readings of 35 and 0 are screwie, at best.

Start over.

I think the rear of the compressor states which is suction which is
discharge.Suc is low and dis is high side.

Now, what are your pressures?  With  the engine off, what pressures of you
get? Maybe about 75 psi on both gauges? Now turn on  the engine and
compressor ,and read your pressures. They should seperate out to the high
and low sides. maybe 200 and 25 or 30 psi,with r12. Higher with 134a.

With the engine off and showing low pressures,you are low on
refrigerant.Low pressures with the engine and compressor on,means several
things. Maybe a bad compressor. Go to the library and get a a/c book. It
has all the possiabilities for you.