Honda Repair: Air Conditioning not working on 89 Accord, r12 freon, fuse block

Question
Hi Bill,
I'm a business professional by day, but at night I have the unusual habit (so I'm told!!) of tinkering with my car.
I love my car!!! I just bought my Accord a month ago. The previous owner didn't know much about why the air conditioning stopped working or when it did; nor was he interested in getting it fixed!
All the buttons light up, fan motor works...but the clutch to the compressor doesn't engage when the button is pressed for the air conditioning. I've looked at the fuse block under the hood on the passenger side and under the steering wheel in the cab, but couldn't see anything relating to the air other than the blower fan motor, which was good.
If I have to fill or charge the unit, can I do it myself without major tools? Can I buy the Freon type I need off the shelf? (I live in Canada). Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Answer
Janine:
I would say you found the problem, lack of Freon in the system, but the cause is obviously a leak in the system. I'm not sure if you can buy the R12 Freon in Canada, it is no longer available in the U.S., not even at the auto repair. I have not worked on the A/C since the R12 went away (or was made difficult to buy), I take it to the mechanic. I just took my '93 Toyota in for a recharge and they now have a Freon that can be mixed with the R12 so you don't have to evacuate the system.
Keep tinkering, just not with the A/C.
Good luck
Bill