I've been giving some serious thought to taking the AC out of my 85
Westy.

Hey Paul, I have the same year Vanagon (Westie) and I was facing the same
decision as you (I never used the AC, so why not remove it and make room for
a stereo). After some thought I decided to go for it and ripped the whole
sucker out. It took me the better part of a day since I removed EVERYTHING
(hoses, front radiator, compressor mount, electronics, etc.).

I feel it was the right decision. I have more room, my van is less complex,
and it is a little lighter (every little bit helps).

You will be left with some holes behind the driver side rear wheel where the
ac hoses went. You will want to cover this with something so you don't fill
it with water the next time you are driving in the rain.

Feel free to email me if you have an further questions.

Scott Semyan
Seattle