PINTO CAR CLUB of AMERICA

Welcome to FordPinto.com, The home of the PCCA => General Help- Ask the Experts... => Topic started by: 376t on April 11, 2021, 05:28:25 PM

Title: A.C. removal
Post by: 376t on April 11, 2021, 05:28:25 PM
 Is it possible to remove a.c.- heater unit from car without removing dash? 79 bobcat.    Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: A.C. removal
Post by: Dtmix on April 12, 2021, 08:40:36 AM
You can do a heater core bypass, and leave the heater core unused in the dash.  The AC can be removed from the engine if you desire, or leave it and disconnect the belt that is hooked up to the AC.

However, if you are doing this because you want to reduce weight, sigh, then you will need to physically remove it.  The heater core doesn't weigh much, but the AC compressor unit has some heft to it...so it's your call.  Ask yourself what is your objective here. The heater cores are not that expensive, as they could be had for about $50 bucks. The AC is the costlier item due to the Freon issue, and multiple parts at play (evap core, compressor, etc.). Ford did make a service manual for Pinto's AC system so it may be worth an investment to locate one on Ebay.

When you do a bypass, you will need to make sure the bypass hose is not crimped as it will be at a weird angle. Here's a picture of such a crimped hose...there is enough opening not to impede the antifreeze passage. This picture was taken of my Pinto when I first purchased it from Florida. They did not want to replace the leaking heater core, as the previous owner lived in Florida.

I wanted the heater as it does get chilly here in Ohio, so I located a heater core. I haven't tackled that project yet, as I wanted to finish the other items first. I will let you know once I start that.

Happy Motoring!
Dan
Title: Re: A.C. removal
Post by: Dtmix on April 12, 2021, 08:44:03 AM
Sigh, the picture was kicked out...it would not upload.  My apologies.

The moderator, Dwayne is aware of the issue and is trying to find a solution. 

Dan
Title: Re: A.C. removal
Post by: 71pintoracer on April 12, 2021, 07:29:43 PM
If you are wanting to remove the unit for repair or just to get rid of it, the answer to your question is yes, it will come out without removing the dash.
Title: Re: A.C. removal
Post by: 376t on April 14, 2021, 07:52:23 PM
Thanks for the input fellow members, everything loose and working it out slowly. Not without some sweat and special language.
Title: Re: A.C. removal
Post by: flash041 on April 17, 2021, 06:20:28 PM
If its like my 78, you need to seperate the "box" that houses the blower motor from the main unit while still in the car. It wont come out as a complete unit.
Title: Re: A.C. removal
Post by: 376t on April 17, 2021, 09:59:26 PM
Got it out, had to remove fan and then the air intake section. Once the steps were figured out, it wasn't that difficult. Thanks again for input.