Toyota Repair: 1992 Toyota Camry A/C, toyota camry xle, r 134 freon

Question
I recently bought a 1992 Toyota Camry XLE V6.  At the time that I bought it I was told by the seller that the A/C did not work and that he had been told that all it needed was re-charging.  Subsequently I took it to a local A/C shop for an estimate.  The shop told me that the car had the "old" kind of refrigerant and recommended that instead of replacing the old refrigerant I switch to the new kind.  This process was estimated at $450.  What have you heard about this?  What do you think I should do?

Thanks for your help!

Tim Jenkins

Answer
I agree with converting the system to the R-134 freon, it is much cheaper than the old R-12(about $6 a pund versus $55 a pound) unless there are other problems with the system the only thing that reaaly needs to be done is remove all the old freon and install two adapter valves on the existing service valves and recharge the system, the price seems a little high, we do the conversion for less than $350 at the dealer, there may be another part they are recommending to be replaced, I don't know, ask them ecactly what they are going to replace and get a breakdown for parts and labor and get back to me.