tight is right.

A properly repaired AC should last several years with a rebuilt comp and even more with a new one. During the winter you can utilize the compressor to remove moisture from the windshield and make the car overall more comfortable. I know humidity in your area isn't bad but even with moderate humidity and an open system you may be shortening its potential by not buttoning it up.

Besides...working on cars is fun right?

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77' 300D, "Cartman" SOLD @ 150K (didn't know what I had)
83' 300SD, "The Superdon" 325k+ @ 28mpg
95 E320 wagon, "Millennium Falcon" 231k+ @ 24 Mpg
95 E300D, "Sherley" 308k @ 33.69 Mpg, currently anticipating a head
99 Suzuki Intruder "Trudy" @ 45 mpg