1976 300D A/C removal

[Justinsyndicate]

Our summers are so short here in Portland, OR. Has anyone ever tired of looking at all that junk under the hood just for the a/c? The bracket for the compressor is huge, having to hold a special pulley, too. I have a mind to take all this out, talk me out of it.

[bricktron]

i have removed A/C from a VW. don't do it if there is still refrigerant in the system.... i would ask a specialist to empty it out first. by the way, there are some other less obstrusive compressors, but a car without A/C in the right climate is no problem. we rarely want it here in san francisco either.

[Stevo]

On that big old York compressor bracket, its kind of a bugger to find all the bolts to remove it, but worth your time, makes it easier to get to other things on the front of the engine.

[Justinsyndicate]

Yes, that's how I see it. I know next to nothing about HVAC; the compressor and condenser look like they will come out easily enough... On the passenger side firewall is a device with some plumbing in an out of it, a sight glass of sorts. What is that? A refrigerant reservoir? From there some hoses go into the firewall. Can I just cut that stuff and leave until the next time I need to get into the dash?

[Phillytwotank]

Your car, your choice. I can understand not needing ac in your climate but to destroy ppotentially useable ( to someone if not you ) shocks my brain. The reciver/dryer is not reusable, expansion valves are pretty easy to come by. Those rubber damnits that coushion the compressor are hella expensive and a York compressor is practically indestructible and they're everywhere. I'd bet you that your a/c could be rehabilitated to working condition with little effort.

Food for thought.

[Justinsyndicate]

As I understand it, only cars bound for the US market had a/c. To me it's kind of 'less is more'. You can tell it was all thrown in after the fact.

Similarly I'm fine with my one-speaker am/fm Becker setup. 6 speakers in this car would be in the way and I would remove them, if present.

[junqueyardjim]

Well I did the same on my 83 240d/617 turbo. All that junk crap A/c junk all over the place and if you can keep the system working at all on R131 freon, it works good up to 80 to 85 degree F and after that it just miserable. So for the 90 days we need A/C I'll use the newer car if I really need it, like on the interstate. But running around town I'll use the sunroof and windows. I love the fresh air if I don't have to but up with high speed window air or big truck noise. And I just don't ever worry about the next owner - and it is a very nice 240D.

[vstech]

is it a 114 or a 123? either way, if you don't need the a/c removal is an option, and it'll lighten up your car. yes, you can cut the hoses, but they unhook from inside fairly easily, making it easier to save for the next guy, or even to sell to someone looking for them. if you cut them, be sure to install plugs in the lines to keep water and gunk out of the evaporator. if you feel adventurous, you can even remove the radiator, so you can get the condenser out of the airstream for the car. and you can remove all the lines as well. not sure what the climate control is on your car, manual or evil servo...

[whunter]

Originally Posted by vstech

is it a 114 or a 123? either way, if you don't need the a/c removal is an option, and it'll lighten up your car. yes, you can cut the hoses, but they unhook from inside fairly easily, making it easier to save for the next guy, or even to sell to someone looking for them. if you cut them, be sure to install plugs in the lines to keep water and gunk out of the evaporator. if you feel adventurous, you can even remove the radiator, so you can get the condenser out of the airstream for the car. and you can remove all the lines as well. not sure what the climate control is on your car, manual or evil servo...

It is a W115 like my daughters.
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/321775-welcome-fleet-1976-w115-114-300d-dark-green.html

I may want the parts you remove..


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[bricktron]

one speaker?!?

[Justinsyndicate]

^ middle of the dash!

@whunter yes, it's a 76 115.114 300D. when it comes out I'll let you know.

[vtmbz]

Originally Posted by Justinsyndicate

Yes, that's how I see it. I know next to nothing about HVAC; the compressor and condenser look like they will come out easily enough... On the passenger side firewall is a device with some plumbing in an out of it, a sight glass of sorts. What is that? A refrigerant reservoir? From there some hoses go into the firewall. Can I just cut that stuff and leave until the next time I need to get into the dash?

First rule of thumb with old things, including cars: Make whatever "improvements" you do reversible. Then its ok to do whatever you want. In this case, it shouldnt be impossible to remove things without hacking. I wouldnt buy a car that had cut hoses under the hood, btw. You wonder what else is compromised, missing, damaged, or ignored.

[whunter]

Originally Posted by Justinsyndicate

^ middle of the dash!

@whunter yes, it's a 76 115.114 300D. when it comes out I'll let you know.

Thank you, the compressor on my daughter's car has a broken rod.

Danke, hat der Kompressor auf meine Tochter das Auto ein gebrochenes Stange.


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