AC is back on! Installed a new Nipondenso compressor, receiver/drier and expansion valve, changed the V belt, flushed the evaporator, condenser and all the hoses, added PAG 46 DEC oil to meticulous specs, pulled a vacuum for a few hours (very hot and humid in Houston) and 3 cans of 134a later the system is blowing icicles.
With 95F ambient here I'm getting 37F from the evap temp sensor! (seen it dip to 35 a few times while highway driving)
What a relief....