W123 300TD (1982) Air Conditioning rebuild advice

[300TD1982]

It's finally time to get my air conditioning operational. I'm seeking any and all advice.


My system is completely unpressurized and is missing the condenser, fan and several hoses. My mechanic is R12 licensed so I'll be using that rather than R134a.


So far my parts list is:

• Hoses
• Condenser
• Fan
• Receiver Drier (I read these should be replaced whenever the system has been evacuated)
• Expansion valve (these are cheap so why not replace it?)

Anything else I should replace while the system is unpressurized?
Any suggestions on finding a Condenser? Pelican appears to not sell them.
Any thoughts on after market Driers which are much cheaper than MB?


Thanks in advance for sharing your wisdom!