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Get a quote from an air-conditioning mechanic who will allow you to bring the parts in seperately. Armed with the knowledge of what parts need to be removed, do it yourself. Usually its just the compressor, discharge hose, fan and maybe condenser. Take them in yourself and get them reconditioned/replaced, then refit the new ones yourself. Take the car back again for a regas.

You can save huge amounts on labour through this, but preferably find a repair outfit that doesn't mind doing it this way and is nearby. Also, don't take it on without a full catalogue of tools as you need some odd ones for this work.   myxlfidian (150)

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If you are converting from older R12 refrigerant gas (pre-1995 or so) to current R134a gas, be aware that unless the system is thoroughly flushed you can expect a performance degradation. You may get a drop in the expected cooling level even if it is professional done, due to inherent problems with this conversion. You can't use R12 anymore because it's illegal but some places still do it on the sly - ask around because that's the best option. Change your receiver/dryer (filter) cannister every two years and get a regas if the cooling is not strong enough.

Don't be disappointed if a regas with the new gas doesn't produce the cooling results you were expecting. This will improve over time. An airconditioning overhaul I had done two years ago hardly seemed to cool the car at all for the first 8 months or so, but with regular use, the system becomes twice as powerful and is now an instant cooler of the interior even in high temperatures (> 35 degrees).   myxlfidian (150)

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