I am in the middle of changing out my 2bbl intake with an Edelbrock Performer and a new 4bbl carb. My 68 Cutlass has PS / PB and A/C, but the A/C compressor is bad. I have no idea if the system has any refrigerant either. I am thinking about replacing it with a Sanden at some point.

My question is while I am going through the trouble to remove the brackets to get to the manifold, is there any harm in completely removing the compressor and leaving it off until I replace it with a Sanden later, or is this just a bad idea? If there is no refrigerant in the system, is it safe to remove? Does anything need to be capped for later use?

I assume that I would need to hook up a gauge to see if there is any pressure in the system.

 

You can test for pressure by depressing the pin in one of the Schraeder valves.

I would leave the system closed as later it will be easier to get it back in working order. I have swapped intake manifolds many times, just tie the compressor to a hood hinge to keep it out of your way.

 

You definitely want to have the system evacuated of whatever may be left in there but, other than that, no harm in removing the compressor. Remove as much or as little of the factory system as you want and cap the connections. Good luck hoisting that thing out of the engine bay. Between the compressor and cast iron/formed steel brackets, you'll be pulling an easy 50lb off the front end. I recommend taking pieces out one by one rather than trying to unbolt the brackets and taking everything together.

 

Just remove the compressor and cap the lines.

 

Lots of good answers. Thank you, all.

I did not realize that the top bracket on the A/C that attaches to the intake could be removed without removing the other A/C brackets, so I will probably just leave it in place and take it to a shop to properly drain and cap until I am ready to convert it, if that day ever comes.

 

I would probably try Davis Automotive in Richardson . I used McCains Auto AC for years and they made the hoses and charged the AC in my 54. They were acquired by Davis who is now in the former McCains location. McCains was great and really good folks. Here is a link:


About Us - Davis Automotive (mydavisauto.com)

 

Thanks, Glenn!

Happy Holidays to everyone!

 

I lived in Richardson for 21 years and always used McCains. I did not know they had sold. But it has been another 21 years since I lived there.

 

I think the sale was in the last five years or so.