did you ever resolve this? did you end up having a shop do it for you?

my plan was to have a shop evacuate my system, do my work, and then take it back to them to recharge.

That should be okay right?

I'm replacing my compressor and clutch, what else should be done at the same time? I've heard the drier needs to be done, what else?

Also is the work fairly simple? I've been unable to find any write ups online and i'm basically gonna be just taking **** apart and replacing it with whatever new stuff I have.

I've got the service manual as a guide but thats about it.

any tips/tricks/things I should know?

abor for compressor R&R
 

estimate 3 hours labor to pay someone to switch out your compressor

Do it Yourself
 

i am a 30yr old newly single mom with a 98 honda civic i was given brand new at 16. my a/c went out I have changed every component in the last month the only thing i needed help with was compessor and belts as i have no upper body strength. it wasnt difficult at all i follwed most directions in service manual.
i have gotten all my parts from rockauto.com my oem sanden compressor with clutch and oil was 251.38$ My A/c still isnt working that well but i am going down list of causes and just changing as i get to them. I am going back to college and i am not needing a car note right now and my car only has 130,000 miles on it. for the freon issue i had shop evac for me i came home did the work then they put back in filled and charged for only 38$. good Luck if this girly girl can "man" up i know anyone can