Date: Fri, 11 Mar 2016 10:47:50 -0700
Reply-To: Jon VO <jondvo@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Jon VO <jondvo@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: removing air conditioner without spilling the freon
In-Reply-To: <8CF48140-36AC-4E52-AE50-C74273AE9B06@gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252; format=flowed
Over time, anyone buying a Westy will know the value (or lack..) of the
AC. For me, it would be a selling point to NOT have it.
If the system is intact, I would leave it alone and remove the belt. If
one wants to remove it all and gain the space & weight reduction, be
prepared to do a bit of work on the rear cabinets, but leave the wiring
at the rear, it can be wrapped and sealed out of the way. In my case
the system had been open for some time, needed compressor, hoses, rear
brackets were broken, etc. simply not worth fixing.
On the other hand I am preparing to install dash AC, which is an
adventure to be sure. However, the hoses & seals will be new, the
condensor a newer more efficient style, and the compressor staged & more
efficient as well. Plus dash AC provides the AC were it actually is
needed - the front windshield & passengers.
Good luck on your choice.
Jon
The tintop AC is arguably worth repairing.
On 3/11/2016 9:15 AM, Angus Gordon wrote:
> Just trying to keep you gainfully employed Ken. :)
>
> My point is, the removal is not a zero benefit transaction. I gained space and time, and lost weight! What's not to like?
>
> 50lbs X 10cf X 2hrs X 17 years
>
> Space is at a premium on our vehicles. People in warm climates often remove the under seat heater to gain space. I would never consider that, but would still encourage them to modify their vehicle to suit their needs. For me, a Vanagon is a tool, not an investment.
>
> Angus
>
>
>> On Mar 11, 2016, at 8:03 AM, kenneth wilford (Van-Again) <kenwilfy@comcast.net> wrote:
>>
>> Angus, all good things come to an end. Yes it is your van and you can do whatever you want with it. It is just frustrating to me when folks do things that have zero benefit, and just make work for the next person. I have had customers who bought their vans new, used them their entire lives. That van was their baby. However, sadly, they are no longer with us. But the van is still here, and being used and enjoyed by a new person. Is it too much to ask that some thought is given to not hacking things up for that next person to have to deal with?
>>
>> Ken
>>
>>> On Fri, Mar 11, 2016 at 10:54 AM, Angus Gordon <birdworks@gmail.com> wrote:
>>> Ken, I've owned this Syncro for 17 years. At what point would you suggest I consider it to be mine, and forget about configuring it for the new owner?
>>>
>>> Angus
>>>
>>>
>>>> On Mar 11, 2016, at 7:39 AM, kenneth wilford (Van-Again) <kenwilfy@comcast.net> wrote:
>>>>
>>>> I hate to be the bearer of bad news but unless you drive your van off a cliff, or are buried inside it, it will be resold at some point. Why use effort to make life harder for the next person when there is no benefit in it for yourself either?
>>>>
>>>> Ken
>>>>
>>>>> On Fri, Mar 11, 2016 at 10:33 AM, Angus Gordon <birdworks@gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>> Borrow a gauge to see how much (if any) R12 remains. If it needs to be evacuated you might check with local AC techs. I once operated a non-road machine with an R12 system and found a local tech who would make house calls (so to speak).
>>>>>
>>>>> Regarding the advice to leave the AC equipment intact - I say pull it all out if you want to. Unless you are planning to resell, why configure your Vanagon for the next owner? I removed the AC from my Syncro and enjoy having the extra working space that a compressor-less engine provides. The extra room in the overhead is not inconsequential either. So climate permitting, go for it.
>>>>>
>>>>> Heaters on the other hand, I enjoy. More are better.
>>>>>
>>>>> Angus
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>> On Mar 11, 2016, at 3:43 AM, jbclem <jbclem1@CHARTER.NET> wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Just to be clear...I don't want to strip all AC parts from this Vanagon (1986 sunroof/non-Westphalia). I just want to remove the compressor because it gets in the way of working on the left side of the engine. I also don't like air conditioning so I won't miss it. I'm not going to throw away the compressor and it's bracket, so in the unlikely event that I sell the car it'll still be available for hookup.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> The problem is I can't drive the car to an AC shop for evacuation...I temporarily cancelled the insurance and my insurance agent reported this to the Calif. DMV, who then arbitrarily suspended the registration.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I was hoping someone had figured out a DIY method to evacuate the system. I just found out that Autozone will lend out a vac pump, so that's a starting point.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> --
>>>> Thanks,
>>>> Ken Wilford
>>>> John 3:16
>>>> www.vanagain.com
>>
>>
>> --
>> Thanks,
>> Ken Wilford
>> John 3:16
>> www.vanagain.com
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