I finally got my A/C up and running. Had a bit of a learning curve but I
got there. Had a local shop extract the 134a. Said I had a few small bit in
the system so I figured the seals were ok. Borrowed a friends gage manifold
and vacuum pump and pulled a vacuum. No leak down. I opted to NOT go back
to the R134a as it is not environmentally and  mixes with moisture becomes
corrosive. Decided to go the HFC15a route shown in a number of Youtube
videos. Rather than get into all that, I refer you to Youtube. AC
compressor didn't work at first. Found I had a blown 50 amp fuseable link
in the "D" PILLAR, on the rear left side. After a little resear h, I found
that the local VW dealership has fuseable links for the 1995 thru 2010
Beetles and it's the same for tne Vanagon. I got two. Installed one and
tested the compressor. It worked. The extra link I tie wrapped back there
as a backup. It will alwsys be there and I WON'T have to hunt for it,

The system now runs well, cools well, and I'm a happy camper!!  It's been a
couple of years since I had COOL!

JOHN