A/C Compressor Recomendations for Coupe GT?

[David]

Took my 1987 Coupe GT 2.3 on a nice long trip this weekend. By mile 200 the compressor bearings were chirping and would screech like a banshee whenever engine revs dropped to idle. She made it to the desitnation still providing vent temps of 38-40*F on a 85+*F day. Not bad. But on the return trip she started warming up. Vent temps slowly climbed to 50*F and I had to drop to 4th gear to keep the revs high enough to keep it cooling and the compressor now sounded like a screaming banshee anytime the engine RPMs dropped below 3,500. She was still cooling down to around 40* as long as I kept the engine RPMs up high when I arrived home. Parked her and decided to let her cool down a little then check the bolt to see if it might just be loose. Started her up a little later and the compressor is totally frozen. Belt is of normal tightness but well worn at this point. Tried a little belt dressing, still wont budge even with RPMs above 4,000. All it does is slip the belt...so, to me that sound like a dead York type compressor? Anyone think otherwise?

OK, I assume nobody is going to have an answer other than replace the compressor. I've alway been of the mind that when replacing the compressor, the receiver/dryer should be replaced too and the whole system flushed of all oil then totally redone. Agreed? And what about the compressor itself? Should I jsut get a reman or maybe even a new York? Or is there something better I should get? If so, do they sell adaptors so it will bolt up? Special belts needed? Special hoses or hose adaptors? Where should I get them? Anyone sell a complete kit? Oh, jsut as an FYI, she was converted to R134a a while back, but with this compressor changeover...she could be converted to one of those R12 alternatives, if they work better than R134a. Thoughts? Advice? Been there done that? How was it? Sorry for the novel...hope to get lots of replies...

Thanks,

Dave
1987 CGT 2.3
SE VA