Factory AC Will Freeze You Out

I have my existing factory expansion valve. Wondering how I can tell if its still usable. I bought the car in 96 but the AC has never worked. Now that I’m restoring her, I want all the systems working. Do expansion valves go bad? How can I get mine checked? If its bad, can you link me to a good source for an OE valve or supply the correct part number for a ‘72 swinger?

TIA