ac to non-ac

[thesado]

I tried searching for this but had no luck.  I think I'd like to convert my 72 AC 318 to non-ac.  The condenser is busted open anyway. How difficult is this?  What will I need?  I only want to remove the compressor and lines in the engine bay.  I'll replace it later when I can.  This is to get it out of the way of my LD4B intake.

Thanks!

[Topcat]

I tried searching for this but had no luck.  I think I'd like to convert my 72 AC 318 to non-ac.  The condenser is busted open anyway. How difficult is this?  What will I need?  I only want to remove the compressor and lines in the engine bay.  I'll replace it later when I can.  This is to get it out of the way of my LD4B intake.

Thanks!

You have 2 choices.
1. Replace entire firewall panel. This means the side aprons (engine compartment) have to come off also to remove it.
2. Graft in a section of non A/C. Which is what I did.

http://img688.imageshack.us/img688/7192/firewall2.jpg
http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/6439/firewall4o.jpg
http://img704.imageshack.us/img704/6356/firewall11.jpg

Once you have the cowl drain area exposed, you can paint inside with a small paint detail gun with Rust Bullet.

[Topcat]

The other thing you will need to do is install the drivers side air duct for the drivers vent.
http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/2006/firewall8.jpg
http://img202.imageshack.us/img202/5138/firewall9.jpg

[thesado]

Topcat,

I don't want to permanently remove the lines.  I just want to cap the firewall lines and remove the pump.  Like I said, I want to return it to ac at some point.  I'm just not sure what brackets I'll need or where to get them.

[ShelbyDogg]

Topcat,

I don't want to permanently remove the lines.  I just want to cap the firewall lines and remove the pump.  Like I said, I want to return it to ac at some point.  I'm just not sure what brackets I'll need or where to get them.

You just need the brackets and pulleys off of a non-A\C car. I think Mancini sells them. You end up with 2 belts.  You might have to change the power steering pump brackets too.  If I were you, I would try to make some kind of Idler pulley to take the place of the compressor or get a wter pump pulley that lets you get it's power from the Alt belt.  Once you take off your A\C stuff, it'll be hard to get it all back on there. I have 3 A\C cars and had to piece together all of the correct brackets and pulleys.  I have SB Edelbrock 4-bbl intake on my Vert with A\C.  What doesn't fit? I also have and Edelbrock intake on my 440. It fit also but I had to take off some support arms.

[thesado]

ShelbyDogg,

There is a support bracket going to the compressor that has no mounting point on the intake.  I didn't know what else might not fit.  I didn't realize it would be such a big deal to remove.  I thought I'd just have to replace a few brackets.

[ShelbyDogg]

ShelbyDogg,

There is a support bracket going to the compressor that has no mounting point on the intake.  I didn't know what else might not fit.  I didn't realize it would be such a big deal to remove.  I thought I'd just have to replace a few brackets.

  Take a picture of the part keeping you from installing it. I'll see how it compares to mine.  There are also other intakes that allow the use of the newer style compressor. These intakes locate the thermostat housing towards the driver's side like the magnum manifolds have them. Not centered like the older style.

[Tonefiend]

Here is my '70 318 converted to non AC.  It's probably not concourse correct, or even correct for that matter.    If you would like any more pics let me know. 

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4008/4402891253_f1b4ee1965_o.jpg