Steve,
I decided to remove the gray, overhead, factory AC from my '89 Wolfy. I had a refrigerant leak and decided to remove the system rather than recharge it and leak. My reasoning was that in WA state, there are only a couple of weeks in which ac is useful. I also wanted extra headroom. My timing was based on simultaneously doing the dreaded head replacement.  

In summary, my AC removal was a headache! I'm not sure that I would repeat the process. The benefits include simplifying the vehicle wiring, engine compartment, and radiators. I feel slightly more eco friendly. The bad stuff: I have a whole bunch useful parts laying around (I hope to sell them someday). It took a fair amount of time. The really bad stuff: The visors don't look or fit as nice without the front AC vents. This took some modification. The headliner is slightly saggy. Removing the plastic towers that hold up the evap/cooler leaves behind messy looking walls. Upholstery shops want to charge $4-500 to fix the cosmetics. I don't have a good spot to mount the rear 4" speakers. Yikes.

My suggestions- If you remove it, leave the empty rear evap/cooler housing with plastic towers. Replace the guts with sound insulation. It will give you a nice place to have speakers. It may look slightly funny, but it will be way better than mine.  

Email with questions,

Josh S.
'89 Wolfy
Seattle

----- Original Message -----
Wrom: AAFXISHJEXXIMQ
Sent: Tuesday, December 18, 2001 11:07 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Removal of AC

Has anybody removed the factory installed air conditioning?  I am considering
removing same from my 91 and installing a sliding glass sun roof and cleaning
up the overhead.

I would appreciate comments.

Thanks,

SteveGet more from the Web.  FREE MSN Explorer download : http://explorer.msn.com