So SWMBO's S-10 AC compressor went out at the beginning of fall last year, and since money was tight at the time we decided to let it go for now, but we got our first few days of good old FL heat this week, and she's already complaining. So was looking at Rock Auto's website tonight, and they have a listing for a seal kit, and bearings. Since I'm pretty sure the bearings went bad and in turn I'm pretty sure the seals went, I was thinking of spending the 30$ for the seals and bearings, and taking a go at rebuilding it, considering a reman starts around 180. Just thinking. Could be the lack of sleep, but hey what's the general consensus?
A lot would depend on if the compressor or A/C peripherals have been leaking refrigerant over time as that leads to a loss of refrigerant oil. That in turn leads to damage in the compressor where metallic debris may work loose
If there was any noise at all associated with the A/C failure then I'd probably replace the compressor, accumulator, and flush the system out. If it's a matter of refrigerant loss from a leaky seal with no apparent noises then it may be worth a shot at it.
You will need a few specialty tools and need to use extreme care when installing the compressor shaft seal.
It's easy to damage the seal surface or the seal itself.
I would also advise before recharging the system that you evacuate the system (pull a vacuum) and allow it to sit with the gauges turned off for half an hour. If there's a loss of vacuum this means you still have a leak and with this method you won't be losing that pricy refrigerant by having to go back in for another repair.
(Wear goggles and gloves when dealing with refrigerant as it can be dangerous.)
I've put a new clutch on a compressor and was told "too complex and need specialty tools."
Turned out fine.
I would think the hard part would be re-charging, I say go for it, whats the worst that can happen? you can't even get an AC core for $30. Autozone has some a/c related specialty tools to rent.
See how much a new compressor is on techchoiceparts.com.
Thanks everyone, Bluesnut mentioned noise....yeah it's noisy, I guess I'll bite the bullet and replace it all. 
oh well, gotta keep momma happy.
You guys seem to know a bit about AC-me a little. I had to rip the dash out of my Swift for some rust repair, so as long as I'm in there, I'm replacing the heater core, blower motor (old one was getting noisy), etc... Question-should I replace the evaporator while I'm at it. AC is a major want on my resto list, and I already have too much $ in the car, so what's another $50 to not have to pull all this again, right?
