Same thing happened to me yesterday... I was very irritated. I bought a new compressor from autozone but found it was completely wrong once I pulled the old one and compared. The autozone compressor was much bigger and had front mounts where the VX compressor has side mounts.
After a quick search, I noticed the 1999 rodeo/amigo compressor looks identical to the VX compressor. Autozone wants around $400 for a rodeo compressor but you can order it online and have it shipped for much less.
I know how you feel, What a PITA. I was hoping to have everything done yesterday and instead have to wait another couple weeks for a new compressor.