Since it''ll be getting warm here in the northeast soon, I decided to start planning my A/C refurb. I have a 1982 300CD, and the A/C system is in an unknown state. It hasn't blown cold air since I bought it about a year ago. I'd like to go through the system, and was looking for input on what to replace, look at, etc. I'm probably going to check the system for pressure, and if it is empty (as I suspect), I'll put a seal kit in the compressor, check the clutch, install a new Receiver-Drier, and then pressure test the system. Anything else anyone would recommend?

On a similar note, can anyone recommend a good source for A/C service equipment? I have 4 or 5 cars that are going to need at the very least evacuation and recharging with R-134 and I figured I'd rather invest the money in the equipment than having a shop do it. JCWhiteney careys a CTD "Handy Dandy" A/C flush kit for $48.99 that looks OK. Is there a better kit out there? They also have an Interdynamics R-134 manifold gauge set for $99 that looks pretty good. Any recommendations? Anything I might want that I haven't listed?

Thanks,

J.B.