A/C Removal or Vacuum Removal and Restoration Update Pics

[dodgechrgrMD]

Hello All-

I am getting so very close to "finishing" my 72 Charger SE. Once the interior is finished, I plan on ripping out all the vacuum hoses and the A/C to 1. Help her breathe better and 2. Not let the A/C rob power from the engine.

Does anyone have advice on doing this or recommendations on where to look? I am trying to clean out the engine bay of all the old lines and make it look better little by little.

The electrical is almost finished and it is going in for upholstery in the coming weeks.

 

[SureGrip]

Not too sure how many vacuum lines you'll have on the 72. Is it a big block or small block?

Is the AC system still connected and functioning or are the lines already broken? Honestly, I don't know how much practical weight you'll save by pulling the vacuum lines and hoses.

 

[mopar 3 B]

Not only that but the heater AC controls will need to be replaced. Without vacuum no heat or defrosters unless the heater box is also replaced with a non AC unit which is not a direct bolt in item.

 

[dodgechrgrMD]

Got it, that all makes sense.

In short, what would be recommended to do to the air system to help clean up the existing lines? I am looking to clean out what I can from the engine bay. Not too worried about not having any ac or heat. I don't drive it enough.

 

[rrTor-Red]

Personally, I'd leave all the A/C stuff in place and get it working again. IMHO

 

[idrivemopar]

Not sure what you mean by all the vacuum lines as there is only vacuum advance, one for the heat/ac systems that runs from manifold vacuum to the inside of the car, the brake booster line, and since you have hidden lights, not sure if that's electric or vacuum. Ac is not really going to rob power unless its in use, and I don't notice much difference when running it on my 340. If you do remove it, then you are going to have to change pulley's and belts. Post pics of under the hood!

 

[Yatzee]

I can understand not needing A/C with all the windows down at 70 mph. If your hellbent on the removal of the A/C, do it systematically without ruining any of the items associated with it i.e. lines, compressor, condenser etc. Before you begin, see if there is a dedicated drive belt(s) for the A/C or if the belt runs any other accessories under the hood. If it's stand-alone or driven off another accessories pulley as an independent belt(s) carry on and "hack and slash". If it is a belt that raps around another accessory you may only need a shorter belt. Give consideration to any and all belt tensioners. At any rate remove everything except the evaporator in the heater box. Plug the feed lines in a suitable manner depending on their visibility ( outside or inside the firewall). Remove and hide the electrical feed wire to the clutch but don't remove it completely. Leave all under dash vacuum lines in tack, even the pot that actuates the A/C dampers so you do not produce a vacuum leak. The heater and all dampers for the heater will operate as normal you just won't have access to A/C operation. Because you removed the A/C you may be able to change to a less agressif cooling fan to save on horsepower while maintaining sufficient cooling air flow. To resolve the cooling issue, and save horsepower in an even more efficient manner I recommend an electric cooling fan tied to a quality electronic controller. Doing the removal of the A/C in this manner leaves you with A/C components you can remount later or sell and have a clean, unclutered engine bay. I would think after all these years, the system is empty of freon, the clutch for the compressor is bitched, the dryer is done and the lines probably leak in many places. You have to really think about the cost to get the system in operation.