So I want to pull the front clip off my Blazer. I'm pretty sure that my AC is charged - but not 100% as I'm going off the word of the previous owner.

Anyway - is there a way to purge & then pump back the R-12 into the system within my garage with normal tools?

Or do I need to go to a professional shop? Thanks

If you had an accidental leak of the R12 you can convert to R134 with out special tools. But if it is charged you need a recovery unit.

And how does one go about getting one of those?

I have the same thing to deal with this coming spring. (need to replace the poa valve)
P/O says it's charged and I want to keep it, so I'm going to a shop that will evac it and 'store' it for me then recharge the system when I'm ready.

Yes, you'll need correct tools and handling to do it.

It's a pain in the arse, but you could always pull everything but the rad support :(

Argh - nothing is ever easy