I've looked, but I can't seem to find where anyone has a detailed, step by step description of how to remove the A/C on a first gen. I know, I know, ... it's simple. Help a guy out. I just want to make sure I plug up all the right holes and not remove any parts that need to stay. Thanks.

 

You're right, it's fairly simple. For some reason, this is a project most newbs start with for weight reduction and to clean up the engine bay. You will need a couple of good, larger, open end wrenches or Crescents, 17-19-21 mm. First thing to do is have the freon removed by a licensed mechanic. You may wish to check and see if the system is even charged first. Once that's taken care of, start by breaking loose the lines at the compressor and firewall. Be carefull not to twist the tubing, double wrench the fittings. Remove the top of the radiator shroud to access the condensor and receiver/dryer. Remove the lines from them

You will need to remove the battery and possibly the battery tray to fish the lines out. Don't recall if the tray needs removed or not for sure. Spray all the smaller bolts/screws with PB Blater a day or so before you start. The small boltsholding the shroud and condensor snap off easily.

Removing the comperssor tends to be the hardest. It's mounted with a through bolt and stub bolts, 14 mm.

 

Great info. What about electrical connections? Anything special I should do or not do? Yes, I am in fact a newb and yes, it is for weight reduction and for opening up the engine bay. (It's also because I would like to do something with the car in the winter since I'm dying for it to be summer so I can drive and work on the car every chance I get.) It almost seems like you deem this project not worthwhile. What's your take on the whole idea? Thanks for everything.

 

Oh yeah, what's PB Blater?

 

Tape any leftover wires out of the way. PB Blaster is a penetrating spray that breaks down the rust so bolts, screws, etc. can be removed with less chance of stripping or snapping off. Think of it as a WD-40 on steroids. It's a must have for doing any mechanical work.

 

Thank you. I will give it a try. I'll bet it's like most things,... you have to get started and once you get familiarized with the thing it will start to make sense.

 

If you don't have one already, get a copy of the factory service manual from one of the links in the FAQ. It will be helpful in planning and executing your project. BTW, you won't believe how much the A/C components weigh.

 

Yeah, I can't wait to get all that dead weight out of there. The FSM download is a slow process for me.... my computer's old. Also, I don't see an '84 FSM anywhere on Sgt. Fox's site... The '85 will work, but it'd be nice to have an '84 manual. Will keep trying. Haven't started the project yet, but I'd like to figure out the picture posting thing so I can post em. Thanks.

 

Yep, now you're thinking.

The 85 FSM is a better manual. It's the first one to include the wiring diagrams. There are some minor differences, but nothing major to worry about.