I am new to Hondas but not to auto repair.

I have a '93 Accord with dead AC. I'm told it was working last fall, but not blowing very cold. So I suspect it has been leaking down.

I believe this is an R12 system (the car is not here but I'll check the fittings).

My questions:

1. Am I better off scrounging up some R12 or convert the system to R134a?

2. Nothing at all happens when the AC button is pressed. Compressor does not engage. In fact the lite on the dash button itself does not even come on. (What in particular, if anything, does this suggest?) The fuse in the drivers side kick panel is good.

3. I'll start shopping now for a good R134a manifold gauge set in anticipation. Or can I flush out/clean my old R12 gauges and use them with fitting adapters?

Many thanks in advance for any help you experts can lend me.