I was wondering how hard it would be to completely remove all if the components of my A/C system in my 82 280zx NA. I figured that this could be a weight saver as it doesn't work anyway. Also, would removing the AC system affect my heating? I am planning on leaving the controls and ducts, unless it kills my heat.

 

No big deal at all. I deleted mine in a couple of hours. I had other issues with my autocontrol heating, so I can't give you a 100% correct answer if it will affect anything. I want to say no. What would happen is that if you moved the control to AC, you would be sending an electrical signal to the AC compressor to engage the clutch, but just wouldn't have anything there to receive the signal.

 

If you think there's even a remote chance you'll be selling the car in the near future I'd leave it alone. The weight savings won't amount to much. Maybe 20LBS. The A/C can be fixed if left alone. Have you tried to charge it? Mine didn't work when we got it. All it needed was charged. You can get adapters from any auto parts store to allow you to put 134a freon in it. Even though the so called experts say you need to do more, you don't.

If you look around on craigs list and ebay you'll find the value of Z cars is going up. The more original you leave it the more it will be worth.

 

I have tried to charge it once when I got it, but there are so many holes and corrosion throughout the system that its not even funny. The evaporator is gone anyways, so I figured I might as well take it all out. I have no intent to sell, so any tips are helpful.

 

Removal is easy since you don't care about damaging the parts... just pull them out. Just leave the evap core unless you feel like pulling the dash for the extra 1lb.

I removed all a/c components for weight reduction and ever since I wish I hadn't.

 

Only tips I can think of is watch out for the vacuum lines. You'll still need them to run the heat controls. I know most of mine were dry rotted so moving them around a lot might crack or break them?

Oh one more thing, if you think the compressor is good save it to sell or trade.