67 Cutlass, new or restore?

[drylegmcrae]

I'm working on a 67 Cutlass supreme. I just rebuilt the original 400 2 barrel and had the switch pitch 400 trans rebuilt. I'm upgrading the suspension parts with new springs, shocks, swaybars, brakes and steering box. This is a factory a/c car and it looks like most pieces are there. The compressor was in the trunk and spins freely. One of the lines connected to it was cut.



My question is do I restore the factory unit or just upgrade to an aftermarket. i don't know much about a/c systems and don't know if a dryer is good or bad by looking at it. Would i just install all the pieces and have it charged and that's how i know if it works or not?