My 68's a factory AC car and it appears that all the parts are there. Compressor never had a belt on it, and I doubt if there's any gas in the system. Is there anyway of telling if the compressor works without charging the system?

From what I understand reading other posts, I should get a new Receiver/Dryer and have the system flushed and vac'd before filling it. I'd hate to pay for this if the compressor turns out to be bad and have to do it again.

I picked up a conversion kit on sale for $20 and am thinking of just putting on the new fittings and charging it. Comments? Seems that if this didn't work, I'd only be out a few cans of gas.

Before you do the $20 "death kit", check out www.ackits.com (http://www.ackits.com)
forums and ask around there. Good Luck

My $0.02

JJ - thanks for the reply and the link to ackits. I spent a few hours reading posts there -Everything I've ever wanted to know and more.

OK, so maybe I won't use the kit...

Try this link; www.gnttype.org/techarea/airconditioning/R134a.html (http://www.gnttype.org/techarea/airconditioning/R134a.html)

Above is an excellent discussion of the facts of the matter. Thanks!

all old R-12 oil must be removed before charging R-134A and new oil. Seals in old R-12 compressor are not compatiable with R-134A. Must replace compressor with one suitable for R-134 operation. Also dryer replacement must be compatiable with R-134A. It will not be as efficient as R-12.