[Vwdiesel] a/c compressor body failed

[Scott Alexander]

One of the mounting ears on my A/C compressor on my '82 Rabbit D failed.
 The compressor seemed to be working fine up until I discovered the
problem.  I'm wondering if anyone has experience  swapping the guts from
a working compressor into the body of a failed compressor?  How hard
would it be to do this?

Assuming it's not a fool's errand, does anyone have a seized or
otherwise failed compressor sitting in the junk box that they'd like to
get rid of?

Since I'll have to crack the system to fix this in any case, I'm also
thinking of switching to R134.  I know I'll need to replace the
receiver/ dryer and various seals.  Is there anything else I should know
about this swap?  Anything peculiar to Rabbits that the guys I know who
have done this on other cars wouldn't expect?

Thanks,
Scott Alexander
'82 Rabbit D
Warren, NJ