A/C hose replacement

[c3vette]

I picked up a new A/C hose assembly for my 79 because the hose to the accumulator had broke off at the compressor connector. I imagine it was original, and looks like the hood was pressing against it enough to snap.
Whats the prefered method to get access to the hose fitting at the accumulator? Not enough room to get a 1 inch plus wrench to loosen the thing up. Since its a R12 system, I have a conversion kit to run R134 in it, going forward.

 

[SIXFOOTER]

Last time I did this I used a cheap wrench and cut it down with a hack saw

 

[bruiser]

The accumulator hose is easy to take off if you drop it down
below the fender. You have to take off the rocker panel
to get the splash shield off. The accumulator should also
be replaced whenever the system is opened up. They cost $43
for an original type one at Rock Auto.

 

[c3vette]

Thanks for the input guys. Best bet is to replace the accumulator due to the fact the oils used in old R12a and R134a are not very compatiable. Even flushing it would not get everything out.
I also noticed that when I attached the NEW hoses to the compressor that the HP side of the mounting block, has a gap in its seal, so probably the compressor mating surface is warped so as not to allow a good seal.
Its probably in my best intrest to do this right and replace the compressor with a new one anyway.