I have exactly the same BCD with the same problem. Due to its age, the male end of the inflator and dump valves crumble and brake apart. Other than that, the material is in perfect condition. My dive shop also said it was toast and I should buy a new BCD. And they had a valid argument. Its over 20 years old!
At the time, only the inflator valve male end needed replacing and the only place that has such a valve is located in Singapore. I decided to order one and if it worked great; if not then I learned something new.
Scuba-Fix – scuba solutions made easy
Suba-fix valves are excellent, better than the original. I highly recommend their product. They are a bit pricy but in the end, your BCD is good as new.
The problem is, which you have to consider and which I subsequently found out, the other two dump valves will soon fall apart. So I had to replace another two valves. I contacted scuba-fix and they gave me a discount on two additional valves which helped me decide to go with their product rather than purchase a new BCD.
Now, if I had known all three valves were going to fail before making the first valve purchase I may have gone with a new BCD. As it is, I still use my Vector 1000; its a great BCD but I am also in the market for a backplate/wing which I plan to use for doubles.
I hope my experience helps you decide what to do.
