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repair or replace, dont delete, so many options these days for repair to the existing system and or replace with a good aftermarket unit
I run the air con in my 76 Stingray (Live in Queensland Australia) and it gets bloody hot in summer,
The ac in my 79 didnt work. I removed the condenser and compressor, lost a decent chunk of weight. Kept the parts, ac is far down the list for me living in washington. My high school car didnt have ac either so its not like i’m missin anything.
Keep the AC . I live in PA also and before lived in Maryland . The summers get hot in both places. Looks like you have a 77 or later C3. They weren't rocket ships so to me the comfort options are desired over a stripped down car. I was big into late 70's T/A's for many years. I made a huge mistake in removing the AC from a car that I installed an older engine. It was miserable in the summer without it. Unless it was a drag type car only I would repair the system. When the time comes to sell it will hurt some and possibly limit interest or the areas it might end up. When I was looking to buy another Corvette I passed on C3's without AC . It will only get driven in the spring and summer and the AC is definitely needed. It's a different story for a higher horse power older vehicle like a C2 or early C3 .
Yep it was a huge mistake removing a working cold AC . It was murder in the summer heat .
The broken pc in my original photo is an easy fix?
what is a PC? what is your goal? you have a very original looking engine.. post more pics..
are you happy with current performance? just looking for aesthetics? cleaning existing is an option..
below is your 79 without air pump.
I always thought cars that had the AC compressor and hoses removed but left all the other components in place, look like beaters.
Much better to have things appearing to work and maintained even if they don't. Personally I don't bother charging the AC anymore, that just doesn't mix for cars that sit idle most of the time.
So should I delete the AC or is it better to go down the rabbit hole of repairs? I would like to clean up the engine bay.
If you are restoring it and are concerned about originality obviously keep it but if you're just driving an old Chevy then personally, I'd lose it It'll free up tons of room and some weight.
Mine was packed full of bones and poop and nests, it's a convertible and not a daily driver so the decision as easy. No regrets for me and if I later decide I need it there are aftermarket options that I'd look at before I put the mouse house back in.
I removed it all (including the evaporator on the firewall) on my 77 and never missed it. If it's too hot, I don't drive it. I even got rid of the heater hoses. Never miss that either.
This won’t be a show car and I’ll keep anything I removed to have all original parts. I guess I m leaning tward a cleaner engine bay. And I’ve been cleaning nests and poop in there. That’s when I saw the broken AC part. Brakes and tires are first other than cleaning and I’ve been using a dye on some carpet with good results.
