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I would recommend taking it to a good, reputable AC shop that is experienced with Volvos, or a Volvo master mechanic that is recommended by a fellow Volvo enthusiast or posted on one of the club websites. You can call George Dill in Temple, Texas to see if he knows anyone. he's the President of the Texas Volvo Club (www.texasvolvoclub.com) Get at least 2 opinions. It could be something as cheap and easy as needing a recharge, and it could be more complex like a compressor or evaporator.
My former Volvo mechanic replaced the evaporator on mine with one from an early Ford explorer and it improved the performance of the AC tremendously. Unfortunately I don't know the part number but this is apparently a system improvemen that is well known to mechanics.
I've been told by a master mechanic that R134 ruins the seals in systems that had been freon based, so it's probably just a series of things that you can do as follows:
Replace the dash AC switch (about $20)They wear out
Have the mechanic replace the seals and recharge the system
See how it works. If it still tapers off and stops cooling well and/or the compressor doesn't kick in check the wiring from switch to compressor and replace if needed. If compressor needs replacement you can get a good remanufactured one from NAPA for about 1/4 the cost of a new one.
Another thing that causes problems with the AC system is, believe it or not, the ignition contact switch. They are wired through the dash and cause short circuts. keep in mind you've got an older car that is subjected to a lot of heat so the wiring may be shot or needing repair in places or perhaps the wiring harness needs replacement.
None of these are terribly expensive but they will set you back a little.
Good luck!
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