Ok my A/C has been out 4 about a year. I have an 82 z28 camaro. Some people say I need a shot of freon, others say its a leak. How do I find out what's wrong and how can I fix it. I live in california and in the bay area it gets HOT in the summer and driving without a/c is not an option anymore lol. Can anyone help me out???

I need a shot of freon, others say its a leak.
Think of the AC system as a bucket. a bucket with a hole in the bottom leaks. The bucket works OK when refilled, but it leaks.
How do I find out what's wrong and how can I fix it.
You take it to an AC shop. That is what they do. Its like a toothache, You go to the Dentist, it is what they do there.