Keep the Air Conditioning?

[wikkid]

1984 Spider with A/C. I have no idea yet if it even works. I'm thinking that it would be ok to remove the components, especially since
A) Getting the system working could be a hassle, especially with old-spec refrigerant, and
B) Not living in the south, where A/C with the top up could conceivably be an option (not really even sure on that one), I don't see the need to keep it, and
C) Weight can be removed and passenger knee space can be gained by removal.

Can anyone give a good reason why it should stay?

[BEEK]

ill pay for the setup if you decide to let it go. being im in fla, and have multiple spiders, i have one which would love to have a/c, then my wife might drive it ....maybe... if i let her!

[nelsonj]

I pulled mine out of my 78. It never worked and just weighed down the car, overheated the engine, and cluttered the interior and the engine compartment. I had to move remount/move the alternator and re-belt everthing because the AC compressor served as a "belt hub" for the alternator. Pulling the compressor, A/C radiator, dryer, the internal blower unit, dryer, the coolant hosing, and then having to find a way to mount the alternator in a new location, and then getting the correct belts, turned out to be a bit bigger of a project than I expected.

...however...

If your A/C works I would keep it in. It only really suck any power when it is running. If it seems to work (fan blows, the compressor seems to work) but does not blow cold air, I would buy a recharge kit at any autoparts store and see if with new coolant it works.

If you decide to take it out yourself, just make sure you have all the parts you need to possibly relocate the alternator, and you may need to get new belts of different sizes.

Good luck.