Dealer A/C Removal

[MosportGreen66]

Hey Guys--

All this Carlisle talk put me in a great car mood so yesterday afternoon I decided to remove the dealer installed a/c unit from the '70. There were no surprises at all. A couple detours we had to take like removing the fan, shroud, hood latch and horns. But other than that, it was easy. I might need a new core support because of all the holes the installers drilled on the it. I have one hole in the fire wall about 3/4 inch wide, and three or four small, small wholes in the inner fender walls and one on top of the cowl. Here are some pictures after the front of the motor was painted. It looks nice, about 90% uniform as I always use the same brand paint and can (when possible). The new paint is much more glossy. I got some great shots of the engine pad and I found a chalk markings on the front cylinder heads that read a faded "CNN." I have a correct upper radiator hose coming from Ground Up Restoration, and the fan spacer will be removed when the lower pulley is replaced with a correct unit. For any job when painting is needed do yourself a BIG favor and buy some brake cleaner! I did not clean the compartment before these pictures so clean pictures will come later.

The actual A/C Compressor has to weigh around fifty to sixty lbs. It was stabilized by ten various size bolts and fasteners. I removed ten feet of hoses, a large condenser, Freon pump, a pulley, belt, three brackets, a blower, two interior fans/vents and about twenty-five screws, bolts and fasteners. Now the Camaro sits a noticeable amount higher in the front. I bet she lost about 125+ pounds. Feels good doing a job yourself when everything goes to plan. Thanks for inspiration Darren! HA! Enjoy.

Here is what I started with:


Then prior to cleaning:


After Cleaning with a little bit left to do:

[ktownkid]

WOW,that looks great..!!!!! You're lucky that it was a dealer unit, I would love to remove the factory A/C on my 70 Nova, but it's way to big of a job. I don't want to change anything that I can't change back.

Anyway, your car looks great and the new look is very clean.
ktownkid

[GM-26]

Your engine compartment looks so much better and uncluttered now. That was a good decision.

[MosportGreen66]

Thanks for the compliments guys!
Ktown-- I almost wish this car came with factory a/c. Being a base line car, one more factory option could not hurt.
GM-- I know what your saying! Thanks.

There is still a lot more that has to be done. I have plans for some more goodies. Keep you guys posted too!

-Dan