I want to know if anyone knows for sure if there is any internal differences
between the two different Vanagon Air Conditioning compressors (SD-508 for
83-85 Vanagons and SD-709 for '86 and newer)?  If they are the same
internally then the only real difference is the "head" of the unit (the back
end where the lines connect to the compressor) which can be swapped over.

The reason why I ask this is that I have a nice low priced supplier of new
SD-508 compressors (I can sell these for $175 new) but I am having a
difficult time finding a supplier for the SD-709 compressors new (and the
price would be more expensive if I did).  But if they are the same internally
and you can just swap the "head" over then I could offer new compressors for
the later model Vanagons at a reasonable price and with excellent
availability.

I have swapped the head over from a SD-508 compressor to a Rabbit compressor
and installed one of these in my '84 Vanagon last year with good results (its
really easy as there are no moving parts to deal with).
Anyone know for sure?
Ken Wilford
Van-Again
John 3:16