Any tips and tricks out there on removing the stock IC duct? The duct is wrapped around the A/C Dryer and it looks like a bitch to get out.

I just don't want to break any of the A/C piping while I remove the duct.

 

If you are removing the radiator, the FSM suggests doing it from the underside of the car. I think (not 100%) that the duct can be removed from the underside once the radiator is out. When I did mine, I cut away part of the ducting that went around the ac drier, so that I didn't have to bend anything putting it back in from the top.

 

^ agreed!

I did the same thing. Well, I did it front the top, but I cut a slit in the part that surrounds the a/c drier and bent it around it. Unbolt the drier from the frame and that will give you a little wiggle room too.

Goodluck,
-josh

 

Unbolt the dryer from the frame, carefully bend it up and out of the way. Simple.

 

That's what I was thinking of doing, but wasn't sure how flexible the duct would be. I also don't want to destroy the duct in case I have to put it back in at a later date.

What did you use to make the slit? Will a razor blade work?

 

You don't have to cut the duct. Like rynberg said, all you have to do is unbolt the drier bracket, unhook the harness clip attached to the line, and gently bend the drier and lines back out of the way. Done. I've bent my lines back and forth probably 6 or 8 times and they're fine. Just be careful. That way you can keep your duct intact.

 

I did the same twice and it works a treat.

 

Bending the lines multiple times is just plain foolish. Have you ever heard of metal fatigue? I bent mine once, and wont do it again.

 

While the lines are made from very soft metal to make them resistant to strain hardening and fatigue, I agree it should be kept to a minimum.

Whenever possible, I detach the lines from the car so I can flex them with a minimum amount of actual bending. And where it must bend, try not to let the bending concentrate on one spot.

Dave

 

I understand the potential consequences of bending metal Adam. I don't do it for ***** and giggles, only when when it's absolutely necessary.

 

i think previous owners bent the lines one two many times, since my slight bend put a nice gash in the lines. I have since just cut the dryer out completely since my AC didnt work from the get go, and have capped both ends on the tubes.

A lil off topic but is it possible to weld the dryer back to the lines if i ever wanted to fix the AC? I know ill have to completely flush the system but could it work?

 

I think you are missing the point. It isn't necessary.

 

You'll need to find someone versed in A/C line welding, but I'm 99% sure it can be fixed either by welding, or sleeving & welding. Heck, you might be able find someone who can put some type of coupler on both ends and use some flex A/C hose!

BTW: My home A/C line to the condenser was nicked and repaired by an A/C specialist. You'll need to flush, get a new receiver/dryer and draw a deep and long vaccuum, before recharging.

:-) neil

 

ohhh I remember the good ol days of getting into all that plastic crap and ripping it out. Its a bit like taking a wall out of yer new house to make way for the babies room.

Damn makes me wanna buy another stock FD

 

Great analogy!

 

Just in case anyone is interested. I got the stock duct out. Unbolted the drier from the frame and gradually bent the ac lines until I could get the duct out. Took a while, but I got it done.