Sadly, it's my opinion that it's not worth it to drop $1000 on air conditioning. You'll have to suffer a few days a year, yes, but that money can be spent on much better things, like keeping the car in otherwise good shape.

However, I was under the impression that the conversion kits fixed nearly all A/C problems these cars had. Look into that and see if it will work for you. If not, see what an indie shop says. $1000 is too high.

What about those "front air louvers"? I noticed something in my owner's manual about an air intake, and I was wondering if they are still functional in cars that came with A/C factory-installed. I think I've got a plastic panel in that region in my '89 for it, I just don't know how to work it!

If your son is a hopeless cause, take the car yourself and drive it! I started out hating my Brick, not caring about it at all for the first two years or so I drove it. Now I realize the wonderful qualities of it and wouldn't trade it for nearly any modern car!
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'89 244 GL -- 104,XXX miles (see profile for info on car)