This is a low mile car with factory air. The compressor still activates from
the dash controls but it is a bit noisy. I can't tell if it's blowing cold because
it's cold outside.

Can this compressor still work with a simple recharge?
Is the freon for this compressor still available?
Is a modern compressor avilable that will work with the condenser and
electrical relays that are in the dash?

It's certainly possible and won't be difficult to get your A/C up and running. "compressor noise" could easily actually be belt noise -- did it go away or get louder when you revved the engine?

Any compressor will work with the existing inside box and controls; the compressor doesn't know or care what it's mounted in or what kind of switch is controlling it. There is no reason to use a different type of compressor; the original type requires less torque to turn than most of the new ones, and any other design will require different brackets, different hoses, etc.

A conversion to R134a (the "new Freon") is certainly possible, but you will need to drain the compressor of the existing mineral oil, flush the system, install new fittings, have all the rubber seals replaced (they must be HNBR or Neoprene, not the existing Viton), have all the rubber hoses replaced (they must be nylon-barrier hoses, not the pure nitrile ones you have now), have the compressor shaft seal replaced (Neoprene) and use the correct amount of the correct type of oil. There's no real reason to go to the new Freon unless the law requires it (this is the case in Canada but not in the US). The new stuff is less efficient at cooling which can cause you to have to buy additional components and upgrade the fan, radiator, condenser, etc. While it does cost a great deal less than R12, it's a one-time purchase.

Are you at all familiar with auto A/C service procedures? I ask because getting more specific than I already have will involve describing service procedures that can very easily injure you and/or damage your car if you don't have at least a basic working knowledge of what you're dealing with. Car A/C is not something to fool around with casually.

Thanks SlantSixDan,

The compresseor noise got less the more I have run it.

I have done a lot of work on home AC units. But I don't have the tools
for auto AC work so I'll take it to the shop and let the professionals
take care of the recharge.

Best to save your expertise for someone who can use it.

Thanks again for the input. I think with a new belt and a recharge
it will work ok.

Yep, the belt setup is very sensitive; you can get belt flop at idle and low speeds that sounds very alarming and can mimic real mechanical troubles. A belt in good shape, properly routed and tensioned, will not make noise at idle.

If you like your A/C to be very cold, consider installing a "manifold type" or "parallel-flow" condenser, for the stock condenser is particularly inefficient and restrictive. This one's a "win-win"; you get colder air and the system exerts less drag on the engine.