I'm finally going for the bread clip fix. Though I'm going to wrap wire instead. I would take the clutch apart and do the proper job if the compressor were easier to get to, which is my question. What's the best way to get to the compressor? jack up the car? go through the wheel well? I don;t have the best working conditions, but do have jack stands. Thanks!!
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'97 855na, Mobil 1, K&N, various IPD's and eBay's

You do not need any other than normal hood up access to do the bread bag clip fix. Just use long needle nose or fish hook extractors to fit the clips in and add a drop of super glue or JB weld. Mine are in for 5 years and all is good. A big help has been Klause's advice to run the r134a pressure a bit higher than in older Volvos. 40 psi low side is my magic number.

The fix worked! -jacked up and accessed underneath. -tucked wire under the spring corners, and twisted the loop closed. No glue needed. I've driven nearly 200 miles and AC is working perfectly. Very happy and saved big bucks. yay!
Here's the wire method http://forums.turbobricks.com/showthread.php?t=258604
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'97 855na, Mobil 1, K&N, various IPD's and eBay's

Just drop the air guide/splash pan by taking out the 2 10mm bolts and you will be able to see and move the clutch without jacking up the car. Turning the front wheels to the right helps a little, but not needed. A large piece of cardboard will keep you off the ground - and your shirt clean.

Check the gap in the clutch first, you will want to close it to about .020-.025 for a tight fit. The bread clips work quite nicely, but I used small strips of metal for my 1998. Glue is required to keep the clips from falling out.
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Klausc, a Volvoholic