Before you go discharging and opening up your AC system (which would be required if the dryer is in fact the bad part) take a look at this:
there is some kind of vacuum actuated flapper door inside the ventilation system that is opened when the AC is turned on to re-direct air through the AC evaporator, instead of through the heater core. If this door is sticking closed, no air will flow through the evaporator. The door on my '84 gets stuck sometimes when the car is parked for a long time (winter storage) and when i first turn the AC on, sometimes it takes 10 sec. or longer before it flips. Until then, i get no cold air.
unfortunately i can't tell you exactly where this door is, because mine has always worked eventually, so i've never had to repair it.
when you first turn the AC on, you should be able to hear the vacuum actuator moving the door, and the door poping open. If you can't hear anything, i'd check that first. I know there is a vacuum actuator for the climate control system right under a panel right next to the driver's leg. 2 screws should remove that panel, and you should see the actuator. I don't know if that's the correct actuator but it's an easy one to check. if it's not moving when you turn the AC on and off, move it with your fingers, and see if cold air comes out.
If you need more info, i'll check my car when i get home tonight.
Mike
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