Did some calling around: you're totally right. The average price was about $250 to fill, without checking for leaks, and I set a Wednesday appointment for a place that'll do it for $165.

In the meantime, however, I have got my 609. There's a local place that's got R-12 for $30/lb. (ahem), and NAPA will have a gauge manifold delivered next-day for $80; total about $170 plus tax, and I'll be able to recharge tomorrow and pin down the leak(s) with Big Blu -- plus, I'll be able to keep the gauges. Hmm...

What I forgot to ask about locally was oil. Is there a way to add it without removing the drier and compressor or using an injector? But that'd be pretty iffy, as I don't know how much lubricant might still be in there, right? I could fill and run it without checking, but the compressor might lock up with a total lack of oil. Would a lack of oil foul any components other than the compressor? Actually, I could probably pick up the o-rings at NAPA, remove and clean the existing compressor, drier and expansion valve, fill the compressor and drier with oil, and replace it all wearing new rubber. But, hell, that might ruin the whole price relation!

I know all this speculation comprises doubling some steps, but I'm about as desperate as I can be without wanting to ruin the entire system. I bought this sedan to use for summer roadtripping and am sort of freaking out as the days speed by -- it's probably heatstroke. Maybe I'll just succumb and let the garage do it.