ac removal

[jd75]

i have a 79 olds cutlass with a 74 motor and i was wondering what is involved in removing the ac unit. is there anything i should pay special attention to, i dont want to go in and start removing parts and screw something up. also any recomendations for for how to move the alternator to where the ac pump is. this seems like it would be a fairly easy removal but then again i had my timing 180 out for a week before i consulted this forum and got the right advise that day.

[texasred]

jd,

First step...STOP BEATING YOURSELF UP! Look at it this way...I'll bet you will check that every time you remove the distributor now.

Does the A/C work right now? Don't break anything taking it off because people like me actually want to put a previously trashed system back into their car. (It makes life with the spousal unit much better.)

If the system is charged, take it to your local a/c shop and have them bleed it off. They should do it for free.

Then, start pulling lines. Don't forget the evaporator and stuff up front. Take the "suitcase" off the firewall and replace it with an A/C delete box from a company called American Graffiti (they are on ebay all the time).

For the alternator, you'll need a bracket from an earlier model non-ac car. But make sure you get one from the right engine...BBO and SBO alternator brackets are different size.

C.J.

[jd75]

i'll put the hammer away and salvage as much as i can. cant wait to see how much room there is after removal. if there are any parts you need you have first pick, thanks.

[texasred]

LOL...thanks but I just bought a 72 parts car with an intact, working A/C system. But, strangely enough, it took me a couple of years to find anything that wasn't jacked up in removal or just plain ragged.

Almost forgot...this will keep your system from going bad while you are finding someone to buy it. Go to Office Depot and buy two or three of the heaviest cardboard file storage boxes they have, Home Depot or Lowes for desicant packets and heavy duty garbage bags. Open 3 garbage bags and triple line the inside of the boxes. Place several dessicant packets in the final bag. Place your A/C parts in the bag, taking pics of the parts before they are packed. When the bag/box is getting full (but not but not over full) tie off the bag, then the to over-bags and label the boxes.

In case you hadn't guessed, I'm the @nal-etentive type!

C.J.

[jd75]

good storage tips, wouldnt have thought of the desicant packets. im a little obsessive when it comes to working on things too. one of my favorite cleaning supplies are q-tips.

[Ryhelio]

Hi! First post! Great forum BTW! Does anyone have any detailed instructions on how to pull the AC out? I have a 71' 442, and I am in the process of replacing the head gaskets. instead of taking a mount loose, i would rather get rid of the AC to get to the passenger side head. So far looks like alot of tight places to get that "suitcase" off that you all were talking about. any good websites, books, etc? Thanks a million!

[Ryhelio]

So after being impatient and waiting for someone to reply on this old forum, I went ahead and took out the passenger side wheel well. That allowed access to the other two bolts and the sucker came right off!! THANKS FOR NUFFIN!!Just jokin. now I am ready to take off that header and get to work!!

[Jim's rare 80]

Hey jd75. I know this is an old thread, but I just saw it for the first time. What engine did the car have, and what shape were the lines coming off of the compressor. Did you save it? So many questions, so little time. LOL.
Thanks, Jim.

[jd75]

the motor now is an olds 350, though it originally had somethng else. looks like the ac has never been messed with as far as it is still the 79 cutlass setup. can take some pics later if your needing parts. I havent messed with it in months. it was go kart season and my son is nagging about 4 karts that he cant drive.