Methose:
There has to be story to tell... As a non-diver, how did you end up owning a Dacor XP Pacer reg/octo? Since your "almost certification" was a couple of years ago and Dacor is a long gone brand (I still have one of their BCs in my garage), I am guessing it was either a gift from a friend that bought new gear or an impulsive e-bay purchase!
Nosegaurd gave you very good advice. Don't worry about fixing the old gear until you have gotten certified. There are three compelling reasons to follow his advise.
1. When you get certified you will have the opportunity to dive with the gear provided by your instructor and find out what you like. Gear fit preferences, even for regulators, are highly personal. You may discover that you love the underarm routing of the Sherwood Maximus or that standard regs pull on your mouth (a problem solved by Atomic's 2nd stage swivel). There is no right answer for everyone... Just what is most comfortable for you.
2. Regs really should be serviced once every year or two (max) whether they have been used or not. Unless you know for sure that you are going to become an avid diver NOW, you may end up paying for two reg servicings (and maybe an overhall given the age) before you have logged 10 dives. All the reputable brands (Aqua Lung, TUSA etc.) have excellent regulators that you can buy new for less than the cost sending a reg in for service twice. Why not get the latest technology and save money?
3. Your life depends on your regulator more than any other piece of equipment. While I prefer to take all of my gear, I never travel without taking my regulator...ever! I also never put it in checked baggage, I always carry my reg on the airplane. Dive travel is addictive... What you will see on other continents will amaze you... Whether it is the unbelievable biomass of the Galapagos or New Zealand, the WWII wreks of Truk Lagoon, the coral spawn of Curacau or the vivid museum quality clarity of the Red Sea, prepare to be amazed. But, also be prepared to be very, very glad that you brought your own regulator and are not trusting your life to equipment that has had better days. I admit that sometimes you arrive to find brand new top of the line gear, but that is clearly the exception.
In addition to the Dacor regs, do you have any other vintage gear?
P