Removal/partial removal of A/C?

[toddetch]

Hi all,

I posted this in the Classic Retrofit A/C thread and @1979-930 made the appropriate suggestion that I should start a new thread instead of derailing that thread. So, following is my post and question from that thread. Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

So I bought my SC last summer and since I live in Portland, OR, there is not a huge need for AC, but eventually, I will want to get it working in order to entice my wife to enjoy the car more. I'm intrigued by the Classic Retrofit solution and will likely go that way, but for now, am letting the early adopters help get any kinks out - not to mention that I have a number of other things that are further up the priority list than AC. In fact, I'm thinking I will install the Classic Retrofit modern fuse blocks, alternator, likely AC, and maybe even eventually their new electric heat (would likely get more use than AC here in the Pacific Northwest).

In the meantime... This weekend I replaced my fuel accumulator (wow what a difference) and in doing that was poking around the engine compartment. I need to replace all my heater hoses as there are holes and tears in them. One, of course, goes below the originally installed AC compressor and is hard to get to.

All of that and now I get to my real question on this thread - I'm thinking since whatever I do about the AC I will be removing the existing compressor and condenser, maybe I should just go ahead and remove those now - reduce weight, give myself room to work, etc. Is there any downside to this? Can I just remove the parts I can easily get to now and leave the rest until I'm ready to fully upgrade the AC? Are there any good guides out there on how to do this for those of us who are new to these cars and working on AC systems? I did a search on the forum but didn't see anything obvious. Thanks!

[LIRS6]

I decided to remove my dead weight in the back - condenser and compressor, then taped off the ends of the aircon lines to seal them, and zip tied them to whatever was convenient, to keep them tied off. Take the compressor bracket off as well, that will give you clear access to replace your heater hose.

I also just replaced my fuel accumulator - big difference as well for my car.

[frankc]

No harm in removing the A/C compressor & condenser first, and then the lines and fan/evaporator at a later time. Obviously you will need to know if there is any charge remaining in your system first. Who knows, once you remove it, you may never put it back in after you experience the difference made by removing all that weight from where it needs it most.

Regarding the heater, does your car have the OEM heat exchangers and are they in good condition? If so, I can't imagine you would need more heat than that (in Portland) as they do kick out a good amount of heat - at least mine do. Depending on what year you car is, there will be less heat at idle unless you have a later car with the auxiliary fans.

[Cevan]

What do you use to plug the AC lines with?

[PushinRice]

The AC lines from the factory AC will not be reused with the Electrocooler, so I wouldn't worry about plugging them if you definitely will not be going back to stock.

I have most of the factory AC stuff currently removed in preparation for the Electrocooler install and the only thing remaining is the blower box under the cowl. That way air can still be moved for the defroster and heat. Everything else has been removed.

[toddetch]

Thanks all for the input. I have the same question as Cevan - what do you use to plug the AC lines with. Also, how can I check to make sure the system isn't charged? I'm about 99.99% sure that it hasn't been charged or used in 15 years, but I guess it's best to make sure. I'd like to be able to double check without taking it into a shop.

Thanks!

[Gretz]

Bump- what’s the best way to plug the disconnected compressor hoses?

[RDUNCe30]

My 82 SC came to me without a condensor or compressor. The hose ends were in small ziploc bags that were sealed with duct tape and ziptied out of the way. I removed the hoses and remaining A/C parts a couple of months ago.

I backdated my heat system to accommodate installation of SSIs and a sports muffler a couple of years ago. The heat (without the pump/fans/whatever) has been fine for me in 35F plus degree weather here in NC. If I feel cold at a stoplight, I just rev the engine a little.

Sam

[darkbeer]

My 2 shillings worth.....
My '77 had factory A/C and, like toddetch, I live right at the Pacific Ocean and don't need it. extra weight and clutter in the engine (makes right bank intakes adjustment a *****), plus ugly rubber hoses and other asst crap EVERYWHERE 'they' could fit it.
I pulled everything...hoses dryer compressor condensers(front and rear) fans center console wire harness...everything except the compressor mount, which will require removal of the muffler...which can wait a bit.
It is a serious undertaking to get those damned hoses out...plug all the screw holes in the pan and make covers/seals for the holes in the front nose for the front condenser/fan setup. BUT, I feel like the car is at least 75lbs lighter, and, seems happier. AND, I know can 'smuggle' things in my 'Smugglers Box'....
For those that need A/C, I fully understand why you keep it all, but for those that don't, it's nice to unburden the car. Keep the lot though, you NEVER know if you may 'need' it in the future ????

[thefaculty]

I'm interested in remove the AC entirely from my '79SC. I have no idea where to begin and was wondering if there is a full walk-through of doing this anywhere. I can find a lot of threads like this in discussion but it would be so helpful to have a full walk-through of this process for newbies like me if possible!