You can also replace the schraeder valve. There's a special tool to remove it without losing refrifgerant and opening the system to the atmosphere. It costs about $100, but still cheaper than the pipe.
Typically our valve is an odd size, so the one you buy for 'most' vehicles doesn't fit.
Let me know if you need more details, on the tool or valve core
What part of the country are you in ?
If you're close to Houston you can borrow mine, or maybe someone near you has one ?