Have any of you guys done an a/c delete?
How much did it cost you?
Pros and cons?

I plan on getting it done after my 403 is rebuilt. I just want to see an engine when i pop the hood. Thats really the only reason i want to have it done. I absolutely hate that big box in the corner of the engine bay. Makes changing plugs and valve covers a "B".
I figure the breeze from haulin butt shall suffice!

 

What model do you have? I see youre in th dfw. I might be interested in that ac box.

 

Not the greatest idea in DFW. If appearance is your goal, aftermarket A/C systems install completely under the dash, kits are available to mount the compressor down low on the engine and the hoses can be hidden. But this will be expensive and a LOT of work.

 

I deleted the AC on my 71 98. Actually, all I did was remove the condenser and evaporator. The thing that makes your engine bay look ugly when the AC compressor is removed is the evaporator lines sticking out of the air box on the passenger's side of the engine bay. Plus, Olds used a throttling valve system up until the 80s so you have lines running everywhere when the AC is installed. If you want to keep AC like Don said consider going with a Vintage Air system or find a later model Olds with a 307 and an orifice tube AC. These systems have far less parts and aren't as ugly... IMHO.

 

The breeze won't feel as good as AC. MY 69 is a non AC car and it's HOT in the summer months. Days like we have had this week are great.

I like you love the look of no ac components in the engine bay but you have options. I have seen many people make a delete plate for the firewall and install an aftermarket system. You can rout everything so it is less visible

 

Perhaps restoring the cosmetics of the AC system components might be a good compromise.

 

Here is the before and after on a Vintage Air install I did on a 63 Buick but I did not try to hide the compressor and lines.

 

Don, that looks awesome! I bet it works great too, I've only heard good things about Vintage Air.

 

Man that looks great!

 

Don do you have pics of the inside? thanks Jim

 

What year and model is your car. The 68 thru 72 cutlass Vintage Air condensor lines run thru the passenger kick panel vent and out under the passenger fender near the factory blower motor area so they dont even come out of the firewall and could be hidden real easily, sorry dont have a pic

 

Their systems work great. I addition to the Buick my other car now (67 Plymouth GTX) has a Vintage Air system. A/C works great in Texas heat and heat and defrost also. One thing to remember - their systems operate on a recirculate mode only, no outside air blend like OEM. More effective cooling but can lead to stale air in the cabin if you run for long periods of time without cracking a window.

 

Here are some before and after under the dash and of the firewall.

 

Thanks for sharing the pics Don. Does the Vintage Air system have a vent function when the AC compessor isn't engaged? I use my vent quite often even in my daily driver and only kick on the AC if I am with my family or in the dead of summer.

 

No fresh air option with any of the aftermarket systems

 

Not a true vent since there is no outside air supply, but you can run the fan without activating the compressor. My GTX was originally a non / AC car so the drivers side fresh air vent was left intact and I can use that plus the A/C fan. With a factory air car that would be tough.

 

That's a bummer.

I would have to contact Vintage Air when I'm ready to do the install. I've heard you can get systems that work with your factory controls. Of course, my 71 98 had AC from the factory. Hopefully that wouldn't complicate things.