Removing my air conditioner???

[PacificTJ]

Im debating parting ways with the ac unit from my 84 Pininfarina. It doesnt run well and seems like itll take more effort them Im motivated to put out to fix.

First, am I crazy?
Second, has anyone done this before and what do you wish you would have known prior to removing it?

[mdrburchette]

The 84 is a bit different than my 72, but I didn't hesitate to remove that big old hunk of metal from under my hood. It robbed several hp from my engine. I kept my other parts just in case I ever wanted to reinstall a/c but after reading up on it I've decided it would probably be best to go with a whole new aftermarket system.

[Brian]

I'm kinda there too. I have an 83 Pinin and took the belt off the compressor within an hour of purchasing the car. However, the system is still installed and I'm probably going to have it all out within the next couple of weeks.

If I really need AC that bad I'll drive my truck!

[leeputmanjr]

I removed the A/C from my former '83 Pinin a few years ago. Saved the car about 80lbs, and the radiator could breath a LOT easier!

First - the unit under the glovebox - shockingly easy to remove. Big wing-nut on the rear of it, remove that, and the front slides right out of the keeper on the underside of the dash, a 10-inch pice of aluminum stock. Cut some wires, isconnect the hoses (I cut mine with tin-snips), and toss aside. Your passengers will thank you.

The condenser up front - be prepared to remove the grill, and do a good bit of wrestling. Tin snips on the hoses, and a beer-can-sized unit on one side make the whole unit come out. No biggie.

Lastly - under the hood - the brackets holding it are very similar to the old-style alternator, and mid-generation smog pumps. Not too hard to pull the compressor.

HOWEVER - note from my dumb-experience! If you want to remove the mounts for a cleaner look - you MUST put bolts back in the holes for lower mount - these holes go to the oil passages!

Good luck!

[PacificTJ]

Very detailed, thank you for the great advice. Coming out tomorrow.

[dsnyder]

Mine AC is missing three little parts- the driver's side vent, and the two vent covers on the box under the glove box. If you are getting rid of things, I could use them.

-Dave