When I removed the center console I noticed that on the a/c knob there is a metal wire that is covered in plastic coming from it. However on mine it is broken and no longer connected. What is this wire? How do I fix or replace it? Currently there is no belt driving the a/c. Can I do the required work to recharge my a/c or do i have to take it to a shop?

If I'm not mistaken that metal wire is actually a tube filled with a gas of some sort. The tube is connected to the AC Knob and then routed and wrapped around the metal (brass) fitting that the expansion joint is connected to (exit side). Use insulating tar to adhere the coiled tubing to the pipe (dealer item, gummy black stuff). The gas inside the tube is affected with the temp of the metal brass fitting and when the AC gets cold enough it shuts down the compressor until the temp starts to rise again, thus closing the contacts inside the AC Knob making the compressor run again. I had to replace the same switch on 79 264GL not to long ago because I had broken off the tube letting all of the gas out. If you need one of those switches look in the junkyards. I have found many of them myself. Let me know if you need one of those switched. I have lots of them running in my parts bin. I could let it go for pennys + s/h. I hope this info helps. If I'm mistaken on any of the info provide I apologize. I have answered this question to the best of my knowledge. Good Luck!

Sincerely,

Nickvjr
1979 264GL 119,900