I purchased a 87 Westy in January and have since resealed the heads and the
other expectec vanagon "maintenance".  The PO said the AC was not operational
but"just needed to be charged." My original plan was to take it to a AC
specialist, have them pressure test and diagnose any problems and order parts
from the Bus Depot if any are needed.
However...What do I see on the back page of the 135th catalog JC Whipme has
sent this year...A Do-It-Yourself R-134a conversion kit for only
$49.95....Includes- Service port adapters, 3 12oz cans of R134a, 1 8 1/2oz
can of ester oil charge "O" ring conditioner, a retrofit label, and a can of
stop leak and detector.
I know from the archives that some have made the switch but I welcome any
comments, flames, threats etc.  Sound Do-able???   I am considering this swap
more on the availability of "Freon at free market prices" than any perceived
or otherwise environmental threat.
Don
York, PA