quote:still had the original dryer
Whenever a system is opened , such as in replacing the compressor, a new drier should be installed. They are cheap, No more than $30 online.
quote:freon and oil had blown out
Loss of oil means that amount needs to be replaced.
If in fact it did pop a high pressure relief, the reason for that high pressure should be found. Often high pressure is an overfilled system, or a system that manages to freeze and block freon movement.
I'm sure Dennis can troubleshoot a stock system, but it will not be cheap - no matter where you take it.
R-12 is still very available online for $20-$30 a 14 oz can - eBay or Craig's list - though shop prices will be $50 a pound, or more.
It does cool better than r-134, but a 134 system can be just fine. Bear in mind 134 is going to be banned in short time so either system will enter the expensive to retain arena.
Larry - who still remembers when R-12 cans were 99ยข at Pep Boys.
