Removing AC from a 74 Carrera

I'd like to remove all traces of the air conditioning (engine compartment, interior, compressor,etc.) from my 74 Carrera. I believe most of the components to be factory but the engine mounting brackets and some of the fittings appear to be fabricated. (The engine currently in the car is a 3.0 liter.)

Has anyone undertaken this task? Using the Pelican Parts Difficulty Scale how would you rate it? Any hints?

Thanks,
Dan

A friend of mine removed the ac from his 73S, and I recently removed mine from my 78 SC. It had a couple of leaking hoses, and didn't work well anyways, so I never really used it. Plus, its a nice weather car only. I figured I'd just keep everything in a box, and some day when a good freon replacement is invented, I'll think about putting it back on (with a rotary compressor and new lines).

Anyways, removing it was no big deal. Really just a matter of unbolting various things and taking them off. Nothing difficult or special. I took everything off except for the items under the access panel in the front trunk.

It really cleaned up the engine compartment, and its nice not having the condensor under the decklid!

Brian

Thanks Brian. What did you do about the various electrical wires/connections?

I would just remove the compressor thats where the weight is , and plug up the lines I don't see how you could totally remove your a/c system without taking the car apart. You'll be leaving big holes everywhere i.e. the front compartment where the a/c blower is and all the attachments,the dryer etc..On cars with a/c the ventalaton system is designed different if you look in the front cowling by opening the hood you will see metal vent tubes for non a/c cars unattached
Not to menton the resell value of the car I personally would not buy a car that had boxes of parts the PO took off.

Your '74 Carrera is a little different, I think, because doesn't it have the huge add on piece under the dash? Or did that end in '73?

Anyways, I had only 2 electrical connections that I can think of, one at the compressor and one at the receiver/dryer in the driver's side front fender area. I just unplugged them, taped them up, and used some zip ties to clip them out of the way.

Like I said above, I left everything that is under the front hood area. So, what I removed was as follows: The compressor, compressor bracket, rear condensor, the 2 lines going from the rear condensor to the front of the car, the receiver/dryer and the lines from the receiver/dryer to the evaporator (located under the hood).

I also thought about the resale value of the car. But I went ahead anyways because (1) the ac needed some work anyways, (2) the car is almost 22 years old, but only has 100,000 miles on it, and is in pretty competitive concours condition, so it is likely it will never be a daily driver again (I currently put about 800 miles on it per year, maybe less), (3) I really hated that huge, ugly compressor and lines, (4) I've had the car almost 10 years and probably will never sell it, and (5) if I do decide to sell it, I can put everything back on in a few hours. This is a process that is very easily reversed, as long as you keep all the parts!

I think that AC on earlier cars is kind of a wash as far as resale goes. For example, I have had several 914's and would NOT buy one that had AC on it. Too much complication on too small a car, and not needed in my area. Same with something like a '73 S, I'd prefer that it not have AC. On the other hand, I definately would NOT remove the AC on an '89 Carrera. That AC works well and the '89 is a daily driver type car where AC is expected.

Bottom line is its not a big deal b/c you can always put it back on.

Brian

My 74 DOES have the add on pieces under the dash. Does this make it easier or harder? Seems like it would be easier because the system is isolated from the main climate control.

I had my compresssor off for a few days last spring I really could not tell much of a difference at all with the weight or performance while off the car, I agree the old big Yorks weigh alot but I replaced mine with a Sanden and it really made a difference in hp drag while on I also agree the A/C isn't the best at temps above 105' but it works great below it or when their is high humidity.Its nice to be comfortable while stuck in traffic and not get the leather seats all sweaty.
PS Brian what color ext/int and options is you car? my 78Sc Targa is also almost concours cond Cashmere Beige ext Golden brown leather int ,fact Turbo tail/spoiler 16x7s&8s

[This message has been edited by jryerson (edited 11-30-1999).]

If you have the underdash add on stuff, I think it would make it a little harder to remove the system. You would need to get some new dash pieces, wouldn't you? As I recall, my friend with the 73 had to get new lower dash pieces. Plus the lines running into the interior of the car would need to be removed, etc. I think you still have the evaporator, etc. under the hood, don't you? I'm not that familiar with the earlier system like yours, sorry I can't be of more help.

My car is a '78 coupe, red/black. Not sure what was optional or standard (although I have the original window sticker, and could check), but it has AC (had, I guess), power sunroof, leather seats, power windows, 7 and 8 Fuchs in original anodized finish (redone by Robert Wood), H4 headlights, foglights, no spoilers. The engine and engine compartment could pass for a brand new car. The interior and exterior could pass for a year old or so car (most people say it looks brand new, but I'm really picky).

If you are interested and send me you snail mail address, I'll send you some pix of the recent engine and engine compartment restoration that I just completed.

Brian

[This message has been edited by Brian Kumamoto (edited 11-30-1999).]