[B. W.]

G. recommend repair shop that offers a warranty on parts & labor. Most reputable shops have at least a 1 year/ 12,000 mile warranty (whichever comes first). Meaning I should put off the compressor until it's running (ground up restore). Wouldn't normally do that for OEM, but there doesn't to be a shortage on A6 compressors.

I assumed you were going to have someone do the work for you (that's what I get for thinking!) What I've done in the past is mock up the system with an old compressor, replacing all other parts needed, then replace the compressor near the end of the resto work when I can charge & run the system. I'm gambling that all the other parts replaced will be good (they are all non-moving parts & the compressor is the most expensive) If a new compressor (or rebuild) is bad it will usually show immediately - noise, lock-up, incorrect pressures.