I was so stunned when the mechanic I asked to charge my A/C told me there wasn't any A/C.
I took the car to him 3 times last month to get new rotors, an axle, and a bearing.
The latter meant the car stayed there from Saturday to Monday while I came-up with the cash.
I remember previously looking for the power steering unit and seeing the compressor there under the alternator. I remember seeing the silver pipes at the firewall on the left. I remember wondering if the A/C fuse was any good. I KNOW it had an A/C. I had planned to have it charged for over a year.
I believe my mechanic stole it in the shop that weekend, probably thinking I didn't know anything about what was under the hood, and wouldn't miss it.
There was another 1985 Toyota Tercel wagon there on the lift, just like mine with different paint at the time of the theft. Just too coincidental.
What more does anyone need?
The shock was like I had to question my sanity, but I remember far too many times seeing it while I was fixing other things.
Note to room: If you ever DO take your car to the shop, TAKE A PHOTOGRAPH OF EVERYTHING UNDER THE HOOD, OR THAT HAS ANY VALUE, and let your mechanic know you've done it.
---firefly