After reading through some threads on air cons, it seems to me my NL '97 Fairlane Ghia V8 has just had it's death warrant signed.
I went to have it regassed and serviced yesterday, but the mechanic started rattling off just about everything mentioned here and then some, right after he told me the compressor had seized up
I guess my aircon will now depend on how wide I open the windows

It has been a great car and if I had the money I would restore it, but to spend $1000+ on a $2000 car doesn't make much sense does it.
You guys couldn't help me out this time around, but the comments and suggestions proved to be the info I was needing to make an informed decision.
Thanks,and all the best in 2019 for you all.
b33