Air conditioning system.. Keep or remove ?

[AZ124Fiat]

On most cars it is benificial to keep an A/C system in a car, curious what the thoughts of the forum are. Getting ready to start my resto and doubt my A/C system works anyway.

[azruss]

I pulled the AC out of my 80. I did it for the following reasons.
In AZ, i didnt want any more burden on the cooling system and horse power
It removed clutter and weight from the engine compartment
Gave leg room back on the PS

[SunnySideUp]

My understanding is that a Spider with A/C is pretty much a United States "thing." I don't think the car was ever intended to host an A/C system. I would say it's a personal preference thing at this point. Depending on how often and where you drive the car coupled with your comfort level would dictate whether to keep or remove the A/C. Typically, the A/C comes out if you want more power from your engine. It's one less thing to fight with or maintain in the engine bay. And, like azruss said, getting rid of it gives the passengers more leg/knee room.

[vandor]

If you kept it then be prepared to replace most of the AC components. You can likely reuse the under dash unit and the compressor bracket, and renew everything else.

[DeanJones]

On most cars it is benificial to keep an A/C system in a car, curious what the thoughts of the forum are. Getting ready to start my resto and doubt my A/C system works anyway.

The older I get the more I wished I had one in my Spider. Live in Adelaide, Australia which I suspect has a fairly similar climate. (close to 40 degrees here today, and a low last night of 27). The large black fabric roof within cm's of ones head if the roof is on or with roof off and stationary at the lights...... not fun in the warm summer days.

If I could find one that was discrete in the interior, works well from a cooling and reliability perspective I would put one in mine.

Regards, Dean

[divace73]

I'm with Dean on those hot days, mostly it is not needed, but on those hot and humid days when it is needed I wish I had it....
I don't know if there are more effecient units around now??

[AZ124Fiat]

Thanks all..
I am sure the system is in need of repair anyway which could cost hundreds. Best to remove it and keep it on a shelf for the future.

[Warren]

I installed the Factory Air one from Texas several years ago and it works well as long as outside temp is 95 F or below. Too much top in-leakage at higher temps and highway speeds. No overheating problems either. I have some photos/tips on my installation if needed.

http://factoryairconditioning.com/searc ... 4%20SPIDER