ZUp guys,I have an 86 Buick Regal Limited v8 with the 307 olds with computer.Now I would like to remove all the A/C components to clean up the engine bay,first off do you think cleaning up the enigne bay by doing this is worth it? I dont use the A/C at all so i dont care about it,Im just woundering if its easy.Its all stock and the A/C works so I assume it has Freon? How would I go about removing the A/C and will I have any problems once I do?
Want to do an A/C Delete on my 86 Regal,How?
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It doesn't make a difference, but it makes it easier to suggest possible options for you.
I don't know why anybody would want to remove a fully functioning a/c system, especially in California, but to each their own I guess. It all depends on your plans for the car.
What do you mean by "clean up the engine bay"? If you're leaving your engine stock, it's not worth the time. Who wants to show off a stock Y code 307? A/C systems aren't the source of the underhood clutter, it's the complex emmisions system that you'll need to leave intact since you're in CA. Not worth the effort if you ask me. But what do I know...
If you wanted to retain your heater and defroster for the sake of being able to drive in the rain without your windows fogging up or to have a little warmth since it does get cool in cali every once in a while, you could go with a factory style non a/c set up. That way you still have the benefit of warm air, and they also feature fresh air vents similar to that of the cars of yesteryear...
But if you want to get rid of it all, remove all the components like the compressor and brackets, and just unbolt the box from the firewall, pull it out, and get a blank plate to cover the hole. People sell pre-fabbed block-off plates, or you can make your own with a little time by tracing the gasket from the box onto a piece of sheet metal. I personally think that the plates look out of place on anything other than a pure race car.
Also, freon is hazardous to the environment, and you'll need to have it removed by a local shop. Any garage in your area will be able to evacuate your a/c system, and I bet they won't even charge you for it.
I'd leave it as is, but it's your car...
I don't know why anybody would want to remove a fully functioning a/c system, especially in California, but to each their own I guess. It all depends on your plans for the car.
What do you mean by "clean up the engine bay"? If you're leaving your engine stock, it's not worth the time. Who wants to show off a stock Y code 307? A/C systems aren't the source of the underhood clutter, it's the complex emmisions system that you'll need to leave intact since you're in CA. Not worth the effort if you ask me. But what do I know...
If you wanted to retain your heater and defroster for the sake of being able to drive in the rain without your windows fogging up or to have a little warmth since it does get cool in cali every once in a while, you could go with a factory style non a/c set up. That way you still have the benefit of warm air, and they also feature fresh air vents similar to that of the cars of yesteryear...
But if you want to get rid of it all, remove all the components like the compressor and brackets, and just unbolt the box from the firewall, pull it out, and get a blank plate to cover the hole. People sell pre-fabbed block-off plates, or you can make your own with a little time by tracing the gasket from the box onto a piece of sheet metal. I personally think that the plates look out of place on anything other than a pure race car.
Also, freon is hazardous to the environment, and you'll need to have it removed by a local shop. Any garage in your area will be able to evacuate your a/c system, and I bet they won't even charge you for it.
I'd leave it as is, but it's your car...
A hammer, WTF, Yea, that's what I did in my Cutlass(in high school), first time it rained my windows fogged up I almost got into an accident, boy did I feel like a dumb-*ss then, I almost had no car because of no heater. No options is just that NO OPTIONS, any girl who rides in your car does't care what it looks like under the hood she just doesn't want a cold tush(even if it is only one day a year you need it, you will need it). Not only that but EVERYONE who looked at my car when I sold it asked me why I took the heater out(yes even the race guy who stopped to look at it couldn't understand why)? It's not a race car, the older guys would say. Yea, never again. I'm running an A/C delete in my Monte now, I learned the hard way once. -Mickie
I would also like to add, that the olds 307 belt line has a balance of pull on it, the power steering and alt, are equaled in pull by the smog pump and A/C compressor, If you take the compressor off the belt line it may cause it to squeal every time you put excessive load on the unbalance belt line(so when you turn your steering wheel and the power steering engages more heavily, it may start to squeal like a banshee).
Your A/C system's defrost system is also superior to the A/C delete system's defrost, because the A/C system incorporates an air dryer.
If you decide the system must go, take your time, unbolt it and box it up, store it in the basement or in the garage, for when you change your mind or sell your car. -Mickie
Your A/C system's defrost system is also superior to the A/C delete system's defrost, because the A/C system incorporates an air dryer.
If you decide the system must go, take your time, unbolt it and box it up, store it in the basement or in the garage, for when you change your mind or sell your car. -Mickie
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