Author Topic: Removal of Frigiking A/C Unit  (Read 5203 times)

westview95

  • Guest
Removal of Frigiking A/C Unit
« on: August 31, 2008, 11:51:24 »
I'm considering removing the A/C unit from my 71 280SL. I'd does not work, and aesthetically I think it would look better in the dash area. I vaguely remember my mechanic disconnecting something right after I bought the car because the unit was not working? I believe it is the traditional dealer installed "aftermarket" Frigiking type. I know it makes sense to know exactly what's wrong with it before I make this decision, but let's assume I wouldn't spend $1 in A/C for my Pagoda...

Has anyone done this? Is it difficult? How complicated are the connections in the engine bay? I'm only average mechanically. Are there any reasons not to do it, other than some buyer may wish the car had A/C? Thanks,
Bill
71 280SL

waqas

  • Full Member
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • USA, TX, Austin
  • Posts: 1738
Re: Removal of Frigiking A/C Unit
« Reply #1 on: August 31, 2008, 12:26:40 »
Many have disconnected or entirely removed their A/C units.  These units can cost a pretty penny, so I'd suggest you keep together everything you remove in case you decide to reinstall at some future time.

Before you do anything, you should go to an A/C shop and have them evacuate your entire system so that no R-12 is released into the atmosphere. Of course, the system may already be empty.

The rest is relatively easy, depending on the degree to which you want to remove the system. The underdash unit is as simple as just disconnecting all the hoses and brackets so that the assembly can be removed.

If you decide to pull the hoses into the engine bay, you'll need something to plug the firewall grommet holes. Otherwise you could plug the dangling hoses and leave them under the dash.

You could also remove the compressor and hoses entirely, prompting the removal of the A/C belt. If you have a custom setup wherein the A/C belt drives something else, you'll need to create an alternate belt arrangement for this. I would suggest keeping with the factory arrangement: 1 belt for water pump and alternator, 1 belt for power-steering (if available), and 1 belt for just the A/C compressor. Certainly, one less belt driven off the engine would ease the engine load a bit.

The compressor sits below the alternator attached to an "elephant bracket" which may have an idler pulley or two. You could also remove this bracket, but it might involve removing more things around the front of the engine, and re-sealing any bolts unscrewed from the block, as some of these bolts enter water and/or oil passages in the block.

Lastly, you could remove the condenser and dryer assemblies near the radiator. This would allow more air to flow through the radiator and give better cooling.

So, it all depends on how far you want to go in removing the system. You can even do it in stages as you get more convinced you don't really want it.

Waqas (Wa-kaas) in Austin, Texas

westview95

  • Guest
Re: Removal of Frigiking A/C Unit
« Reply #2 on: August 31, 2008, 14:42:05 »
Thanks, Waqas. In stages sounds like the way to go.
Bill

westview95

  • Guest
Re: Removal of Frigiking A/C Unit
« Reply #3 on: September 07, 2008, 17:20:58 »
Waqas or Anyone Else,

I got the R12 emptied. In trying to pull the under-dash unit (Frigiking), I can't find what holds the unit to the dash? There are four plug holes in the bottom of the A/C unit. Do I need to get a screwdriver in there to find screws holding it to the dash? The only bracket I found is screwed onto the passenger's well side-wall, and pulling those two screws does not release the unit from the dash. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Bill
71 280SL Light Ivory/Havanna Brown Two-Tone

awolff280sl

  • Full Member
  • Gold
  • *****
  • USA, FL, Sarasota
  • Posts: 610
Re: Removal of Frigiking A/C Unit
« Reply #4 on: September 07, 2008, 17:31:04 »
Bill, yes you will need a phillips head screwdriver up gthrough those holes to find the 4(?) sheet metal screws. While this may let the unit drop some from under the dash, it will still be suspended by the hoses. There may also be a bracket in the passenger footwell up under and behind the blower, at least there was on mine.
« Last Edit: September 07, 2008, 17:32:12 by AWOLFF280SL »
Andy   Sarasota, FL
'69 280SL 4speed
'06 Mitsubishi Evo

westview95

  • Guest
Re: Removal of Frigiking A/C Unit
« Reply #5 on: September 07, 2008, 17:53:24 »
Thanks, Andy.