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History: My '70 roadster is a factory A/C car, and tho mechanically "numbers matching," the car has been repainted and even the interior went from tan to black. So real collector value is gone.
The Problem: The A/C doesn't work, isn't correctly wired up nor correctly plumbed with vacuum lines (Bubba), and I don't care to research and tackle all the wizardry required to make the car factory cold again. And, while driving the car now, hot air blows in thru the kick panel vents despite the heater core being bypassed. It's not fun to drive after 15 minutes. I don't like to drive my old vettes when it's so hot you need an A/C anyway, and I really wish it was a non-A/C car. I also know I could do a VA, but I just don't have the fire in my belly (nor do I want to spend the cash) to go down that road.
My Q: So, my question to you guys is this: How difficult is it to reverse engineer an A/C car to a non-A/C car. (Aesthetics is a non-concern to me).
My ignorant assumptions:
1) Remove compressor and ref lines...No prob
2) Remove the radiator-looking thingy (condenser?) with the aluminum bottle.... No Prob
3) Remove the big housing that mounts to the firewall (engine bay side)..... No Prob
Now, since I really don't need a heater or defroster (South Texas), I primarily just need a fresh-air vent system. So I'm guessing I'd need a firewall block-off plate, 2 correct kick panels with their vent door system, 2 cable sets, and the correct shifter-housing console top plate with vent control levers......
So, what more do I need, and what landmines await me here.... Basically, is it feasible?
Thanks guys..... Always appreciate your input, and Happy Easter!
A numbers matching convertible with A/C in the shortest run year of 1970. A very desirable and collectible car ....in the right hands.
Instead of butchering it you should consider selling it.
I'm all for modding C3s, and bought two that I could mod with no guilt. @Greg's advice is sound for your car.
That said, ACdelete.com sells the part you need. You can use the stock no-AC heater core, or not. I found a (well) used part from a no-AC 74 when I deleted AC fom my 80. It frees up so much engine compartment space. I'm looking into electric heat solutions for EVs to avoid having coolant pumped into my cabin, but still have heated defrost.
A numbers matching convertible with A/C in the shortest run year of 1970. A very desirable and collectible car ....in the right hands.
Instead of butchering it you should consider selling it.
When I said it had been re-painted, I failed to add "a different color" Even the interior is a dif color.... only the drive train is matching #'s.... Would take big bucks to take it back to donneybrook green and saddle....of which I'm not terribly fond.
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
As far as heat inside, you need to put a bright light outside under the dashboard and look inside to see where the light (and heat) gets in.
Do you have a transmission heat shield and the foam that goes with it?
There is a vacuum-operated flap behind the right kick panel, see if it works.
Rubber at the back of the hood?
When I said it had been re-painted, I failed to add "a different color" Even the interior is a dif color.... only the drive train is matching #'s.... Would take big bucks to take it back to donneybrook green and saddle....of which I'm not terribly fond.
I understand what you're saying here petdoc, but many numbers match cars have been color changed over the years. Is that a real hit against the car? Yes or no depending on the color combination and who the buyer happens to be. I assume the car has probably been changed to Red, Blue or Black with a Black interior? This was a pretty common change up when Saddle fell out of favor for a period (I was one of those who hated Saddle for a while too ). But it still makes a presentable car that sounds like it's mostly intact.
Like Bikespace says, there are many Corvettes that are perfect for modding because they have already been severely altered, fender flares, wide body kits, etc. or so many parts are already missing it's just beyond the realm of possibility to "bring them back". I don't think a color change would put a car into that category.
I've rebuilt many A/C systems and enjoy doing the work. It's really not that difficult. I wish I was closer, I'd help you do it. That being said, and, while I appreciate that it's your car to do with as you feel, if you go this route of chopping the A/C out, one day, maybe years from now someone is going to look at this once very desirable Corvette and say "Too bad someone butchered it".
Man, today I'd love to have Donnybrook Green on Saddle 1970 Convert!
You stated that while driving the car now hot air blows in thru the kick panel vents. I don't think removing the factory AC is going to fix that problem, you need to get those flapper doors closed.
Here is a link that talks about the recirculating door flapper.
There’s two flappers on an a/c car. One behind the kick panel and one up top that closes against the wiper tray. My top one had the mount rusted away so I replaced it with one from Zip. A bit of a challenge replacing it without removing the fender, but I got it in the end. (pic is from the inter webs)
As far as heat inside, you need to put a bright light outside under the dashboard and look inside to see where the light (and heat) gets in.
Do you have a transmission heat shield and the foam that goes with it?
There is a vacuum-operated flap behind the right kick panel, see if it works.
Rubber at the back of the hood?
Thanks brother! I do have the foam "collar" and the foil-looking shield betw the tranny and the tunnel. I am sure the passenger kick panel vent allows hot air in. Not sure if the actuator for the vent door there is functional, because the vac sys has been chopped. I'll try the light (great idea), and if nothing else, just close/or block the vent door mechanically.... Thanks for your ideas!
-Lee
I understand what you're saying here petdoc, but many numbers match cars have been color changed over the years. Is that a real hit against the car? Yes or no depending on the color combination and who the buyer happens to be. I assume the car has probably been changed to Red, Blue or Black with a Black interior? This was a pretty common change up when Saddle fell out of favor for a period (I was one of those who hated Saddle for a while too ). But it still makes a presentable car that sounds like it's mostly intact.
Like Bikespace says, there are many Corvettes that are perfect for modding because they have already been severely altered, fender flares, wide body kits, etc. or so many parts are already missing it's just beyond the realm of possibility to "bring them back". I don't think a color change would put a car into that category.
I've rebuilt many A/C systems and enjoy doing the work. It's really not that difficult. I wish I was closer, I'd help you do it. That being said, and, while I appreciate that it's your car to do with as you feel, if you go this route of chopping the A/C out, one day, maybe years from now someone is going to look at this once very desirable Corvette and say "Too bad someone butchered it".
Man, today I'd love to have Donnybrook Green on Saddle 1970 Convert!
Yeah Greg I can't argue with your logic at all.... One compounding factor is that my '67 is Goodwood Green/saddle. Really don't want two greenies. The '70 is now Monza Red over black interior tho both the interior and paint are 10 footers. The 70 is no cherry.as it's had minor front end and tail fiberglass work. 116k mile car. Engine (L-46) and M20 have been rebuilt. Frame and b/c are very good, but trailing arms, struts, dif, and brakes need to be re-done. I'm in the process of re-doing the vacs for the headlights and wiper door. Thanks for your concern about the car; Greg; I will see if there is an ac guy in the area that has a clue about vettes, and see if it would be feasible to pursue refurbishing the ac.
-Lee .
You stated that while driving the car now hot air blows in thru the kick panel vents. I don't think removing the factory AC is going to fix that problem, you need to get those flapper doors closed.
Here is a link that talks about the recirculating door flapper.
There’s two flappers on an a/c car. One behind the kick panel and one up top that closes against the wiper tray. My top one had the mount rusted away so I replaced it with one from Zip. A bit of a challenge replacing it without removing the fender, but I got it in the end. (pic is from the inter webs)
Yeah, I've seen that little dude...or at least part of it from above.... Looks like a bitxx to get to....Maybe I'll just fill the duct with spray foam.....JK....Thanks for the pic my friend, I will try to get a better look at it. Unfortunately, the vac lines are mostly gone, so it will be non-functional even if replaced, but until I make a decision on which way to go, maybe I can get it closed to block the hot air... Thanks for your help!!!
From A/C to Non- A/C
). But it still makes a presentable car that sounds like it's mostly intact.
