Well MOST of the $1000 was to sort out the gawd-awful vacuum lines that the previous owner let get dissolved by the battery acid!
(ever seen where the climate control vacuum lines run in a '79 300D?)

Next in cost was the compressor/dryer/expansion valve/hoses.

Finally there was the system flush and the R134a recharge.

The thinking from my mechanic was that if you need it recharged R134a will run about $80 including labor (system leakdown/hold vacuum for 30 minutes/recharge with refridgerant) but the R12 will cost $200 for the same thing.

Thats it!

(I wish I had found this board years ago as I'm now into doin' more myself)

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current Benz
'87 300TD (white) 168K (on the odometer as of 15 April 2004)
past Benz owned & miles I put on them
'62 190D 20K (white)
'63 190D 20K (beige)
'65 190D 35K (white)
'73 220D 175K (metalic green)
'79 300D 135K (metalic blue)

driving a Benz diesel since'77