Got my '02 V8 back from the shop today, where it had undergone roughly 20 hours of surgery replacing all A/C components and flushing and recharging the system. Last Thursday, my boss and I were heading back to Jackson from Gulfport when the air coming out of the vents started to get warmer. My boss compensated by turning the temp down to 60. This resulted in the air getting hot, and the car suddenly losing power while the dash lit up like a Christmas tree. We got the car pulled off the side of the road just as the smoke from the melting belt started curling out of the engine bay.
After a call to AAA and a 2-hour wait, a flatbed arrived to carry the car the rest of the way home. I had them drop it off at Gateway Tire & Auto on Lake Harbour Drive in Ridgeland, MS, the shop I've used for all my cars for at least 10 years, and the only shop I trust.
They quoted me a little more than $1800 out the door for the compressor, dryer/receiver, expansion valve, etc. replacement, system flush and refill, and new belt. This included 9 hours of labor for the A/C work, which I presume is the book rate.
Saturday afternoon they called to tell me things were going well but would take a little longer than initially expected because they were being careful and going slow on the dash removal so as not to break any of the aging plastic components (just one of the many reasons I trust and appreciate these guys). I finally got the car back this afternoon. So far I've only driven it the 2 miles it takes to get home, but it's running (and cooling) great and the dash looks none the worse for wear. What's more, they didn't charge me for the additional labor, even though I know they probably spent at least twice as much time as they billed me for.
So if you're ever in the Jackson, MS area and need some work done, go to Gateway Tire & Auto at 795 Lake Harbour Drive, Ridgeland, MS 39157. (No, I don't work there and no, this is not a paid promotion. I just feel like these guys deserve props for the consistently high quality work, professionalism, and trustworthy business practices they've demonstrated over the years.)