Hi All,

I have a bit of a dilemma and I'm seeking expert advice from the the Board. Basically I have an '87 Volvo 240 sedan with 120K. I purchased the car about 3 years ago from a lady who said that the AC never really worked well (mechanics who used UV dye test couldn't find an elusive leak). I don't know if she was expecting too much from the notorious Volvo AC or if it never truly performed well. Anyway, since I'm currently in northern california I have never used my AC. Now I'm headed to Houston for school and I would like to take my car out there. However, any car in Houston with AC basically becomes an oven in the summer. So basically, I'm seeking a course of action for getting my car on par.
1)To my knowledge the car is still on the R-12 system so I believe I need to get it retrofitted for R-134.
2) When I flip on the AC switch I think I hear a click (but nothing more)from the compressor but I'm not sure if this component has failed due to its inactivity.
3) I think the car needs definitely needs to be recharged
4) The dryer/receiver, which I guess needs to be replaced, is covered with some sort of greasy film
5) I would like to put in a VOV (is this possible for my model?)


So should I take my car to get the AC diagnosed before I do any repairs? Should I proceed with replacing parts and then charge it up and see how it goes? I'm looking for the most time and cost efficient course of action. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Sid