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How do I pull the AC unit? I'm cleaning house!

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Old Apr 29, 2004 | 01:27 AM
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Default How do I pull the AC unit? I'm cleaning house!

I'm tired of banging my knuckles against that thing and I realize I'll have to pull it anyway when I put the headers in (next project!). AC isn't really a big deal to me. It would be nice, but I think I'd rather have the added space in the engine compartment to work with.

So, what do I have to do to get rid of that thing? My Hayes manual shows how to pull it, but I'm wondering what to do with the associated hoses and such?

:crazy:
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Old Apr 29, 2004 | 08:28 AM
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Default Re: How do I pull the AC unit? I'm cleaning house! (OREO Speedwagon)

Need year of car please to be specific :confused:
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Old Apr 29, 2004 | 08:43 AM
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Default Re: How do I pull the AC unit? I'm cleaning house! (Paul Borowski)

You do not need to disconnect the a/c compressor to install headers
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Old Apr 29, 2004 | 10:18 AM
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Default Re: How do I pull the AC unit? I'm cleaning house! (Paul Borowski)

Paul, he's got a '76.

Once you've had the system evacuated and the freon recovered (or you just vent it and kill some ozone), it'd just be a matter of unbolting things and taking 'em out, I would think. Unless you're really gungho about getting every piece of it out, I'd leave the stuff on and behind the firewall alone and just pull the condensor, drier, compressor, and hoses. You may have to remove the hood to get the condensor out, though.

JB


[Modified by JB, 9:20 AM 4/29/2004]
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Old Apr 29, 2004 | 11:53 AM
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Default Re: How do I pull the AC unit? I'm cleaning house! (JB)

:iagree: Plug the holes in anything you leave behind. This will help keep moisture out and preserve those parts in case you or the next owner wants to put A/C back in!
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Old Apr 29, 2004 | 03:09 PM
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Default Re: How do I pull the AC unit? I'm cleaning house! (page62)

If I am an expert at anything it is removing the compressor. I have done it at least five times recently.

During the times the compressor was out of my car I taped the hoses up with lots of electrical type. Also, plugged the ends of the compressor. There were no problems when reinstalled.

I agree there is no need to remove it to install headers. I would leave it in place.
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Old Apr 29, 2004 | 07:42 PM
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Default Re: How do I pull the AC unit? I'm cleaning house! (OHSIXX)

Its very easy, the condenser is a PITA, but not too bad, we decided to pull cause if its warm enough to use the AC, might as well take off T tops, and save A LOT of weight, the condenser and compressor weigh a ton, free up LOTS of engine room, since the condenser will be gone youll get MUCH better air flow to radiator, and you might get a few extra hp since you dont have to power the compressor anymore. As for the hoses, we just cut em all off... wouldnt recommend doing that if you plan to put it back in.


[Modified by killervette666, 6:43 PM 4/29/2004]


[Modified by killervette666, 6:45 PM 4/29/2004]
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Old Apr 30, 2004 | 01:55 AM
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Default Re: How do I pull the AC unit? I'm cleaning house! (OREO Speedwagon)

Thanks all!

:)

Just to clarify, the main motive behind pulling the AC isn't because of the planned header install (thought that's been put off because of an unplanned front end caliper install :-( ) it's mainly because I just want to clean up the engine compartment.

I don't think AC is something I'll need much. If this were my primary vehicle, then yes... But it's more of a weekend and sunny day kind of ride. And if I ever take the 'vette out and say "Gee, I wish I had AC" then I'll know it's time to give up musclecars and go buy a Saturn or something.

;)

I'll want to make what I do reversible, when and if it comes time to sell, but in the meantime I just want to get rid of that big **** pump and bracket and have some extra elbow room.

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Old Apr 30, 2004 | 10:46 AM
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Default Re: How do I pull the AC unit? I'm cleaning house! (OREO Speedwagon)

I removed all my related A/C stuff and made the car a "non-A/C" car. I've put 38,000mi on this car(my 1975)since '90 WITHOUT working A/C, and I too love the extra room in the engine compartment. I also like the "simpler" look and uncluttered look. I even went so far and got a non-A/C heater box, heater core, heater control assembly and the "wiper switch" trim bezel with CORVETTE on it. The interior is now back together and I love the look of the simple "non-A/C" control unit along with bezel mentioned earlier. I sold all the A/C stuff for just a few hundred less than what it took me to do all this. I know, I know, people will say I hurt the value, not original anymore, blah, blah, blah-hey it's got 146,000mi on it now, so I doubt I'm "hurting the value" Ever try to sell a Corvette with 146K miles??? I somehow managed to survive the hot, sweaty, cloudy climate of Ohio for 14yrs with it "non working" and have three other C3s that are A/C delete cars, so I'm sure I can "tough it out" :lolg: :lolg: :lolg: Anyways, I LOVE what I did. If I get another C3 with non-working A/C, I'll do it again :yesnod: I work around 340* liquid Asphalt, so 95* outside to me is a little on the cool side :lolg:
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