>Back when R12 was cheap and available I used to replace components, and re->charge the air conditioning in my cars myself to save money and to keep the >systems working. You can still get R12 yourself! All you need is a $20 online open book EPA test and you can buy all you want. I bought gauges and vacuum pump years ago and they have turned out to be one of my best tool investments. I have literally saved thousands of dollars fixing my own a/c systems rather than farming out the work. Steve B.