can the a/c come out
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,909
Likes: 26
From: Clymer PA
Re: can the a/c come out (1970LS6)
The compressor and brackets can be removed but there are a couple lines running into your firewall that can not be removed without some "major" modification. I got tired of moving the damn AC compressor every time I needed to pull the valve cover so I ripped mine out of the car. FYI just by removing the AC compressor and brackets you can take 50+ lbs off of the front end.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 8,220
Likes: 208
Re: can the a/c come out (1970LS6)
Don't quote me, but I think non AC cars had smaller "BULGE" on the firewall where the hoses connect. I removed all AC stuff when I made the Big Block conversion and I replaced that bulge with smaller unit from 68 vette. Now I'm putting AC back to the car, using vintage airs stuff.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,752
Likes: 1
Re: can the a/c come out (1970LS6)
Ditched mine, but still got the bulge. I don't care at least its out of the way. It was already out of Freon so no trouble disconnecting it for me.
I know some will scoff that I should have kept it.
Oh well.
-terry
I know some will scoff that I should have kept it.
Oh well.
-terry
Racer
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 287
Likes: 0
From: Wildwood IL
Re: can the a/c come out (1970LS6)
Yes, you can rip it all out, but replacing with a non A/C setup for a "stock look" would be a lot of work. The hole in the firewall is much bigger on an A/C car. You would need the fan setup AND possibly the inside heater core/distribution box from a non-ac car and retro fitting that to your existing a/c ductwork could also be a problem. There's other more creative solutions I'm sure.
But, you can still pull the evaporator out of its case on the firewall and then plug the two big holes/slots that remain. You will need to get some new 3m sealer strip to seal it back to the fan and firewall. If you paint the evap case and fan all black, it looks ok.
If you suspect there's still R12 coolant in the system, just go ahead and release it through the schraeder valve. :nono: The ozone hole over antarctica won't get that much bigger. Actually, you should really take it to any shop that has equipment to capture that stuff. Its like gold now!
Oh yeah, and if yer going to all this trouble, don't forget to pull the condenser from the front of the radiator.
[Modified by trs77, 7:56 PM 3/13/2002]
[Modified by trs77, 7:59 PM 3/13/2002]
But, you can still pull the evaporator out of its case on the firewall and then plug the two big holes/slots that remain. You will need to get some new 3m sealer strip to seal it back to the fan and firewall. If you paint the evap case and fan all black, it looks ok.
If you suspect there's still R12 coolant in the system, just go ahead and release it through the schraeder valve. :nono: The ozone hole over antarctica won't get that much bigger. Actually, you should really take it to any shop that has equipment to capture that stuff. Its like gold now!
Oh yeah, and if yer going to all this trouble, don't forget to pull the condenser from the front of the radiator.
[Modified by trs77, 7:56 PM 3/13/2002]
[Modified by trs77, 7:59 PM 3/13/2002]
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,166
Likes: 2
From: Las Vegas NV
Re: can the a/c come out (1970LS6)
I just completed this conversion about a month ago.
As stated above MANY differances, (most I did not expect).
Heater core.
Hole in firewall.
Both air boxes.
Under dash duct work.
# of vacuum pots.
# of vacuum lines.
Placement of resister.
Plug in on blower motor.
Others that I cannot remember right now.
It was a lot of work but worth it in my case.
My A/C was marginal at best, and my 76 is no longer a daily driver.
I decided to get rid of the A/C to take off some weight and primarily to make more room.
I was able to find a wrecked 76 and graft on a piece of non A/C firewall to fill the hole and bolt the non A/C components onto to.
The engine compartment is not complete, so no flames about the current condition :lol: :lol: :lol:
Until I can solve some of the above problems I am stuck with black tape. :nonod:
Sorry no before or during, but here is the after.
Good luck with yours.
[Modified by DaBo, 10:40 PM 3/13/2002]
As stated above MANY differances, (most I did not expect).
Heater core.
Hole in firewall.
Both air boxes.
Under dash duct work.
# of vacuum pots.
# of vacuum lines.
Placement of resister.
Plug in on blower motor.
Others that I cannot remember right now.
It was a lot of work but worth it in my case.
My A/C was marginal at best, and my 76 is no longer a daily driver.
I decided to get rid of the A/C to take off some weight and primarily to make more room.
I was able to find a wrecked 76 and graft on a piece of non A/C firewall to fill the hole and bolt the non A/C components onto to.
The engine compartment is not complete, so no flames about the current condition :lol: :lol: :lol:
Until I can solve some of the above problems I am stuck with black tape. :nonod:
Sorry no before or during, but here is the after.
Good luck with yours.
[Modified by DaBo, 10:40 PM 3/13/2002]
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