A/C in a convertible?

[Mr onetwo]

Hello to all, I am looking for opinions and actual real world experience in regard to my question.My 1970 Fury is equipped with manual air con and all the parts are still on the car.However, it has not operated in at least 25 years and maybe more.Keeping in mind I live in coastal Maine...would you say it is or isn't necessary to make the car comfortable to drive in the summer. Top will be down and car out only on sunny summer/fall days.Restoring the entire system will be very expensive and I have no budget. Getting rid of it all would simplify things under the hood for sure.Thanks!

 

[Davea Lux]

Keep the car original, you might find one you like better some day and that way if you sell you current vehicle it will bring a better price because it will still be complete and unmolested.

Dave

 

[polara71]

Neither of my driver convertibles had air. I wouldnt use it if it did. Leave the components, dont worry about workability.

 

[Kapt]

Here in California it gets too hot to have the top down sometimes. You need that A/C

 

[CBODY67]

In your locale, you might not really need a/c, but if the car has it from the factory, do not remove it. The option is yours as to if it works or not.

Remember, too, that the a/c compressor also works on the Defrost mode of things, to de-humidify the air coming out of the defroster vents. Above 32 degrees F, so as to not fog the windshield upon first use each time.

Still, having the car "whole" is important when ever the vehicle might be sold. Of course, with the system working well, the car will be worth more..

CBODY67

 

[JC68vert300]

Keep it. My '68 300 convertible has the manual A/C, I would never remove it, and I never use it, I drive with that top down even in 90+ degree weather. It is a relatively rare option for a convertible, so leave it in the car.

 

[mrfury68]

I would leave it in the car. Even if it is not working now, having all of the components in place will help with the originality of the car. You can always restore the A/C system at a later date if you decide to do so. The A/C systems are not that difficult to understand and parts are still available for them.

 

[polara71]

Keep it. My '68 300 convertible has the manual A/C, I would never remove it, and I never use it, I drive with that top down even in 90+ degree weather. It is a relatively rare option for a convertible, so leave it in the car.

Us Jersey guys have similar opinions.

 

[Big_John]

I like the A/C in my 'vert. Mostly I made it operational to keep Mrs. Big John happy, but it's nice when the sun is blistering hot and the humidity is high.

I'd keep it in your car even if you don't use it. If nothing else, the car is more valuable with the original A/C in place, even if it doesn't work. It really won't simplify anything except to remove a few hoses and the compressor. You'll have to buy pulleys and possibly change the alternator bracket if you do remove it. Easier (read cheaper) to just let it stay where it is.

 

[detmatt]

My ‘71 Challenger is an original ac car and when I rebuilt the drivetrain I did not put any of the ac stuff back on as I didn’t personally have any intention to use it but I kept everything with the car for the next owner.
See how much better the engine room looks without the damn V-twin pump and all the plumbing?

 

[Fratzog]

As most of the posts say if your car came with it keep it. My 70 Polara never had it and I don't need it but my better half would likely go out on cruises with me more often in the summer if it did.

 

[The Goose]

My ‘71 Challenger is an original ac car and when I rebuilt the drivetrain I did not put any of the ac stuff back on as I didn’t personally have any intention to use it but I kept everything with the car for the next owner.
See how much better the engine room looks without the damn V-twin pump and all the plumbing?
View attachment 324214

We did that to every Mopar we had in the 80’s & 90’s. We lived in Phoenix 118° days etc etc etc. They look way better and are easier to work on !!! Love it that is bad *** !!!

 

[The Goose]

Now that being said think long and hard about yanking that stuff. It’s not really in the way and you’re not turning it into a muscle car but if you pull it save everything. Every nut hose & bolt !!! Personally I’d leave it dead and just cut the belt until time and money permits.

My ‘69 has no AC and I drive it year round. It got up to over 110° this year & on days like that it’s mostly parked and I drive it at night. My roof hasn’t been up in over a year...

 

[rapidtrans]

I think I used the ac once in the four years I owned my gto. Got caught in a mid summer storm leaving a car show and needed to run the ac to keep the windows clear. Normally the top went down in spring and went up in fall while it was still warm. Top top tended to get very stiff in the chillier weather.
I fall in the “leave it in place“ camp even if you don’t use it or it doesn’t work.

 

[bluefury361]

You "up north" guys don't benefit much from A/C. Where I live its mandatory.
If your car is a factory air car then keep the componants in place, working or not.

 

[rapidtrans]

You "up north" guys don't benefit much from A/C. Where I live its mandatory.
If your car is a factory air car then keep the componants in place, working or not.

You’re right. Not common on a Michigan conv back then.
The goat was a Georgia car originally where ac in a vert made sense.

 

[Rwc]

I would keep it and get it working. Even up here on the frozen tundra we get plenty of hot summer days. You have Rte.1 and Rte 3 that I bet you spend plety of time on and they are not shady country roads. heavy slow moving traffic and you might be glad to have it..

 

[Mr onetwo]

I would keep it and get it working. Even up here on the frozen tundra we get plenty of hot summer days. You have Rte.1 and Rte 3 that I bet you spend plety of time on and they are not shady country roads. heavy slow moving traffic and you might be glad to have it..

That is a good point...back when I rode Harley's getting stuck in traffic was the worst, especially on an iron head Sportster.

 

[Mr onetwo]

WOW...30 to nuthin'. The masses have spoken. I guess it stays intact

 

[Catfish-65]

Having Air is like having a ton of money, Just knowing it,s there when ever you want it is a definite plus to me. Air and lot of cash, what is the down side. I have a drop top and I wish had Both on many hot days,,,