A big thanks for the tech help ..But.

Yes memike, it's your decision on which way to go, and you can always do the tranny further down the track.
Long hot summers in an old car with no air con is a little hard on us modern spoilt drivers. We struggle on hot days without that cooling air don't we?

Anyway, good luck with the air con project and keep us posted and add some pics won't you.
Regards
Gary