should I remove the AC in my 79?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
From: san antonio Texas
should I remove the AC in my 79?
The AC works but does not really cool very well in hot humid weather. when the weather is nice, I take off the t-tops and roll the windows down. That's when I like to drive the vette anyway. The AC leaks freon slowly, so I would need to replace the hosing and maybe even the condenser and who knows what else to make it right.
I hear it weighs about 180 pounds (?), I need to restore the radiator and thought when I did that, I would just remove the entire AC system and reap the extra horse power (?) and lighter weight.
any experiences on this??
I hear it weighs about 180 pounds (?), I need to restore the radiator and thought when I did that, I would just remove the entire AC system and reap the extra horse power (?) and lighter weight.
any experiences on this??
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 6,247
Likes: 471
From: Glen Allen, VA
My personal opinion, it isn't that much in the way that I would worry about it. I intend to get mine recharged to blow cold sometime. It works on mine, the compressor kicks on, it just doesn't blow cold.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,249
Likes: 13
From: San Angelo TX
The AC works but does not really cool very well in hot humid weather. when the weather is nice, I take off the t-tops and roll the windows down. That's when I like to drive the vette anyway. The AC leaks freon slowly, so I would need to replace the hosing and maybe even the condenser and who knows what else to make it right.
I hear it weighs about 180 pounds (?), I need to restore the radiator and thought when I did that, I would just remove the entire AC system and reap the extra horse power (?) and lighter weight.
any experiences on this??
I hear it weighs about 180 pounds (?), I need to restore the radiator and thought when I did that, I would just remove the entire AC system and reap the extra horse power (?) and lighter weight.
any experiences on this??
180 lbs? No way.
Take the compressor and condenser off if you want to but keep everything you take off.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,545
Likes: 3
From: 406ci SB, AFR 180 Heads - 490 HP @5,600 RPM 529 lb-ft @ 4,100 RPM
The AC works but does not really cool very well in hot humid weather. when the weather is nice, I take off the t-tops and roll the windows down. That's when I like to drive the vette anyway. The AC leaks freon slowly, so I would need to replace the hosing and maybe even the condenser and who knows what else to make it right.
I hear it weighs about 180 pounds (?), I need to restore the radiator and thought when I did that, I would just remove the entire AC system and reap the extra horse power (?) and lighter weight.
any experiences on this??
I hear it weighs about 180 pounds (?), I need to restore the radiator and thought when I did that, I would just remove the entire AC system and reap the extra horse power (?) and lighter weight.
any experiences on this??
Pro
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 736
Likes: 1
From: Chester VA
From someone on the opposite end of your problem, I'd say don't do it. I'm looking to get AC on my car, and it's a lot harder to add it then take it off. If you ever change your mind, or decide to sell it to someone that wants AC you'll regret taking it off. Plus, once the AC, or any system like that comes off, it'll likely never be completely "correct" again, I.E. factory looking or functioning.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,417
Likes: 336
From: Texas
i rebuilt my ac system last summer on my 79 , cost about $550, rebuilt compressor, rebuilt hoses, (rebuilding the hoses is cheaper than new ones) , orings and ac flush,freon, plus renting a vacuum pump and gauges. new evaparator sensing switch. plus had to replace vacuum switch inside console. added a manual hot water shutoff valve for the heater lines. and extra relfectix insulation under the carpet.
converted to 134A. it cools quite well, 47° air out of the vents , even for texas.
converted to 134A. it cools quite well, 47° air out of the vents , even for texas.
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Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,557
Likes: 0
From: Ridgeway VA
Do leave it on. When I got my 1970 the previous owner took almost all AC stuff off. Wish I had it and it would be expensive to replace. Spring and Fall is when I drive the most. July & August super hot feet.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,924
Likes: 6
CF JASOC Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 8,040
Likes: 34
From: Downtown Annapolis, MD. The Future is where we all have to live. Let's not screw it up.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11
The words Horsepower and '79 Corvette are rarely heard in the same sentence, unless it's lack there of. Sorry.
This car is a cruiser, and with that in mind, fix the a/c.
This car is a cruiser, and with that in mind, fix the a/c.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,712
Likes: 0
From: Tampa FL
Just bypass it (leave everything intact, but no belt running to the compressor). That way you won't keep turning it if you're not going to use it, but don't have to remove the whole system. If you change your mind later it will be a lot less work. The weight isn't enough to be significant and the pulley won't be spinning with the belt removed so that eliminates all possible HP loss.
Last edited by Ron R; Mar 31, 2008 at 04:01 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
From: san antonio Texas
The collective knowledge and experience from the forum members is great. I will keep my AC and see if I can either fix it or just remove the belt. great advise, thanks to all.
