Another question for the oracles:
My 164e had most of the AC system surgically removed, perhaps on delivery from dealer (there's no switch, no sign of underhood components, hoses protrude about 4" into engine bay from firewall and are plugged with bolts and clamps, suggesting that heat exchanger is where it's supposed to be, but I haven't checked). Now that summer in DC has finally arrived, I'm hoping to maintain peace in the family by restoring the AC. I've got a complete 1975 parts car, along with a 134 retro kit for 240s that includes condensor, evaporator, top hose and gaskets. Parts car system has strong pressure, so that's all presumed good. Several people have advised that I dump the York boat anchor and switch to a more modern compressor. Does anybody have any experience on this front? General advice? Model names & numbers for a compatible modern compressor? Any chance I could splice to hose stubs & not mess under dash? better to tear all apart and use known good heat exchanger? other possibilities/pitfalls?
thanks again guys!