Here is what Blake Heinlein did  to put modern air conditioning in his.
https://sites.google.com/site/blakeheinlein2/vanagon-airconditioning

Rob
vwrobb@gmail.com

At  5/7/2013 03:58 PM, Stuart MacMillan wrote:
>I have the same thing, and it's coming out.  These early units are poor in
>so many ways.  Figure $2000 and up to have a pro replace all the hoses,
>dryer, etc. and then find out the condenser leaks, the compressor is bad,
>etc. etc.
>
>If you really want A/C here is your solution (and they are coming out with a
>DIY kit soon):
>http://www.smallcar.com/index.php?dispatch=pages.view&page_id=62
>
>Costs more, but it will actually work.
>
>Stuart
>'85 Westy
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
>James Ogul
>Sent: Tuesday, May 07, 2013 12:57 PM
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: AC
>
>The 85 Camper I bought 6 months ago has AC but I don't think it is working.
>All the parts are there and the compressor is turning ok.  As a first try I
>was planning to recharge it.  How can I tell if its R12 or R134A?  If its
>the former what type of shop could convert it?
>
>Thanks
>Jim=