I made the mistake of telling the mechanic at Midas ...
"Just fix it "
I think he evacuated the system,
Put a vacuum on it
and topped off the R-12.
Charged me $90 bucks for a 12oz can. ( 3 cans = $270 )
I'm paying $20 - $25 on Ebay.
Total bill was over $600.00 Ouch !!!
Stayed "Real" cold for about two weeks, then just kinda cold :o(
Get an estimate. Still it will be pricey !
JC...

-------------- Original message --------------
From: Roger Sisler <rogersisler2000@YAHOO.COM>

> Fixing an A/C system is an expensive proposition. Are you going to do all
> this yourself? It is much cheaper that way, as licensed folks need to do it
> proper. Your system will need to be emptied and refilled by them. The
> refrigerant needs to be recovered and returned to the vacuumed system. Add
> to this, any repairs. R-12, 134a? Got to buy this, too. 134a is high now.
> Probably best to switch over to 134a at this time-$$$.
>
> The condition of your system and how much you like A/C need to be considered
> here. Rubber hoses in the Vanagon seem to generally hold up well. They
> should last a number of years more in your '84. Replacing one hose is a good
> idea. Your old fittings on either end will be reused. Your new hose will be
> a barrier hose, as that's all that is available. The barrier keeps 134a from
> migrating through the hose wall. Hose is about $3/ft. The existing residual
> oil in the old hoses will prevent 134a from migrating through the hose if
> you convert over. That hose is not too difficult to snake out from under the
> Vanagon. Where would yo get a vacuum pump?
>
> The hoses that attaches to the compressor have fittings that are barbed.
> They work great! They don't leak often. They slip into the hose and are
> clamped with hose clamps. See them? An alternative repair is to get a
> junkyard hose and cut it about 2ft from the compressor. Buy a barbed splicer
> from an A/C specialty shop and splice this section into your old hose.
>
> If you are not going to do this yourself, it will be expensive, and a new
> hose will be required. Hope you can find someone who will work on your
> vanagon. How big is your leak? That is a very important question. Maybe you
> can live with it. Your a/c system may not be worth fixing. Get an estimate.