Just to be clear...I don't want to strip all AC parts from this Vanagon (1986 sunroof/non-Westphalia).  I just want to remove the compressor because it gets in the way of working on the left side of the engine.  I also don't like air conditioning so I won't miss it.  I'm not going to throw away the compressor and it's bracket,  so in the unlikely event that I sell the car it'll still be available for hookup.

The problem is I can't drive the car to an AC shop for evacuation...I temporarily cancelled the insurance and my insurance agent reported this to the Calif. DMV, who then arbitrarily suspended the registration.  

I was hoping someone had figured out a DIY method to evacuate the system.  I just found out that Autozone will lend out a vac pump, so that's a starting point.