Ok you have R-12 coolent. THis is very expensive to repair. I would say deal with the lack of AC, or upgrade to 134A
I am in the same boat as you. I have a dying ac system in my 93. It costs 30 for a pound of 12. But it is only sold at 30 pounds. Do the math. But R-12 is a better coolent, it isnt flamable under preasure, and it is cooler. So I am choosing to stick with it for the remander of the summer and deal with it next year.
Jim