so long down had to get juiced

months ago (when it was still warm out) the a/c goes. i go to ebay and see remaned compressors for the svx and order one (this was before they were sold here). i also spend hours seeking the cheapest drier (you know, to save $3.95). the drier doesn't have the correct fittings, and i've forgotten where it came from, and of course i throw away receipts and stuff like that all the time. we buy another one. the unit is installed, but the mechanic says it won't hold pressure. he talks to the a/c people in florida, they suggest testing the lines near the expansion valve. i tell the guy to do what he has to. what i do not know is that the valve is behind the dash and how many hours in labor to get there. needless to say, the problem was the compressor. we replace the expansion valve any way. we send the compressor back, and a replacement is sent. when installed it seeemed o.k., but within 2 days of sitting before i pick it up the cooland leaks out. again the unit is pulled and sent back. the compressor people say they don't believe it was defective, they suggest it leaked where the hoses are attached. they send either the unit back or another, we're still not sure. so, after the months have rolled by the a/c is installed finally, but the car sat so long the battery is dead. i have to get new juice to start the car from wal-mart. in the end with all the expense it would have been cheaper to go to a dealer, but if i'de have known that i would have bet the white sox in four.