Date:         Thu, 13 Jan 2000 09:27:49 -0500
Reply-To:     "Karl F. Bloss" <bloss@ENTER.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         "Karl F. Bloss" <bloss@ENTER.NET>
Subject:      Re: A/C to be or not to be
Comments: To: Jeff <btlbug@BRIGHT.NET>
In-Reply-To:  <200001131336.e0DDalf23164@sparticus.bright.net>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII

Yeah, I ripped mine out.  Just make sure you drain the system of coolant
properly (i.e. let a shop do it...they'll probably do it for free to get your
remaining freon) before removing lines.  I thought mine was empty, but it
wasn't so I sprayed freon and oil all over the place when I removed the line.

The next thing is that the overhead blower and evaporator housing is VERY
heavy, so be careful with that.  I use mine as storage now.  I removed the AC
compressor and bracket...even got a few $ for the bracket.  You'll need a 6mm
hex socket with extender to get at those.  It's nice not to have to work around
the compressor when doing the plugs, temp II, etc.

We installed not only a sunroof, but a total poptop.  I probably couldn't have
done it without first removing the overhead center duct, but your '84 might be
different.

BTW, some parts might be worth some $, so don't throw them all away.

-Karl

> I have an 1984 Vanagon with A/C.  It hasn't worked in the 2 years I've
> owned the van and I don't know if I would use it if it did.  Has anyone
> out there ever removed the whole system?  Are there pros/cons to removing
> the A/C system.  I would rather have all the air outlets and duct work off
> the ceiling (so I don't hit my head on it walking trough) and install a
> pop out sun roof.  Thoughts please?  Thanks
>


Karl and Kristina Bloss, Trexlertown, PA
'87 Westfalia Weekender  "Beverley" - 192K miles
http://www.enter.net/~bloss/vw/
PA/NJ Vanagon owner's mailing list: http://www.enter.net/~bloss/vw/pavanagon/