AC Unit Removal (permanently)? Done it?

hoipolloi

Well its raining. Its winter (finally, hey Im in California, its been beautiful for weeks!) and I want to DO SOMETHING!

So I am looking at my AC unit, which I have bashed my head on SO many nights when I sit up. And I notice the that front left corner seems slightly sagging (above the top right corner of the rear cupboard). So I want to fix this, but I have had the thought of trying to completely remove my AC unit to open up the entire area.

Has anyone ever done this? I am considering it and I at the least need to fix the sagging corner.

I will take some photos shortly...
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Big Blue 1987 Weekender Vanagon

SyncroGhia · Posted: Fri Feb 25, 2011 1:49 pm Post subject:

Is this a tin top van or does it have a pop top?

If it's a tin ton, then you can remove it but the headlight will sag down as there is nothing to hold it up. You'll need to put in the bars which run through the loops above it and clip into the roof.

If it's a pop top, firstly I'm interested in the system complete and have the normal cupboard as a swap/part ex. Secondly, you should be able to remove it and have more space.

Removing the complete system (pipes, loom, condensor) etc is a fairly big job but can be done in a day. One thing I would suggest is trying to loosen the pipes going onto the condensor carefully and if they're not going to move, don't force them. You'll just take the threads off! Remove the condensor with the pipes attached to save it.

The rear cupboard is different as well to allow the pipes to run up behind it so you can gain space here as well.

MG
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T3 Syncro 16 S6 Westfalia Limey SOLD
T3 Syncro 6x6 SOLD
T3 RS6 Bluestar
T3 Tristar Syncro 16 SOLD
T3 Tristar Syncro RHD SOLD

CQ · Posted: Fri Feb 25, 2011 4:15 pm Post subject:

I removed all mine on my 82 Aircooled. Was not too bad to do. Left it all intact too just incase someday I or somebody else is looking for one.
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82 Westy 'Betsy'
72 Bus 'Bertha' -Sold
Learning about 2.0L AFC Everyday.

hoipolloi · Posted: Fri Feb 25, 2011 4:26 pm Post subject:

Got any photos? I would love to see what that looks like..
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Big Blue 1987 Weekender Vanagon

irgsmoore4 · Posted: Fri Feb 25, 2011 4:57 pm Post subject:

i have an 87 vanagon and i removed the A/C unit a few months back, we never used it and i lost count how many times i banged my head on it! It came out easy enough and the only trace now is the outline on the headliner , 4 screw holes in the liner, and the liner is missing inside the rear door on the side walls, as there is none behind the plastic panels, removing the motor was easy but the motor bracket is another story getting to all of the bolts is a pain, i pulled all the lines under the van and cut them at the condenser, (be warned the liquid is not good for you or your pets! the system in our van was dry,PO had bled it for removal but never got too it).
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Ivan
99 Eurovan (The Tortuga)
87 2.1 WBX Vanagon ( Elsie ) sold
Wife,3 kids 1 dog(luna)
"Needle Noddle Noo"

canasync · Samba Member Joined: June 28, 2010 Posts: 656 Location: BC

hoipolloi · Posted: Fri Feb 25, 2011 5:35 pm Post subject:

photos?

Photos Please!
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Big Blue 1987 Weekender Vanagon

GMByers · Posted: Fri Feb 25, 2011 11:53 pm Post subject:

"photos"....of what?

If you're looking for pictures of a Vanagon interior without the A/C tunnel, why not just look for some pictures, there are plenty of them here on thesamba.
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And then there were two...downsized to 83 Doka &
74 Thing.

hoipolloi · Posted: Sat Feb 26, 2011 1:01 am Post subject:

I could scroll through photos all day and have looked at a lot, I was hoping for a few shots specifically of the interior without the AC Unit, you know, looking back towards the rear or in from the back to see it without the AC. I guess I am not as good at searching with successful results, thought it easier to ask...didn't mean to upset you!
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Big Blue 1987 Weekender Vanagon

86syncrowesty · Posted: Sat Feb 26, 2011 11:09 am Post subject:

What about converting the A/C cabinet to a storage unit? Anyone have ideas on that? Mainly wondering how many holes would be left in the cabinet when the A/C is gone. Or would it be worth it - does the A/C unit provide some structure?

FWIW - Bentley has a good removal how-to.
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1986 Vanagon -- Syncro, Westy
2.5L Subaru

irgsmoore4 · Posted: Sat Feb 26, 2011 2:04 pm Post subject:

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

head liner

inside the rear hatch drivers side

inside rear hatch pass side

sorry if the pics arent too good Cool

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Ivan
99 Eurovan (The Tortuga)
87 2.1 WBX Vanagon ( Elsie ) sold
Wife,3 kids 1 dog(luna)
"Needle Noddle Noo"

indytriple · Posted: Sat Feb 26, 2011 8:15 pm Post subject:

86syncrowesty · Posted: Sun Feb 27, 2011 9:45 pm Post subject:

purplepeopleeater · Posted: Sun Feb 27, 2011 9:56 pm Post subject:

I installed an early westy vent on my late cabinets, no head banging for me.

looks factory too and I keep my a/c!

indytriple · Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2011 7:13 am Post subject:

purplepeopleeater · Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2011 7:27 am Post subject:

TK is sleeping and left me head thunder puss...so keep your a/c or i'll beat you with a NOS heater core (not to be confused with the $50 buck jobby)


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