Intro Post and Rear AC Delete Questions.

[906thSense]

Hello all! Just drove this baby home from Florida. 06 with 175k. Immediately started gutting it for a sound system but have some questions I am sure someone will be able to answer...
Would love to delete the rear HVAC for enclosure space. Was going to slap a fiberglass box into factory location but as I got back there and saw how MASSIVE the rear AC unit was I got very intrigued in deleting it and putting the box in its place. As far as I am reading I can just cap the lines and toss it but having a hard time verifying that 100%. Everyone just caps the lines I haven't seen anyone actually pull the unit. This might be a stupid question because the rear HAVC controls tell me the front and back share nothing but a refrigerant line but before I cant turn back I would love some affirmation.

Just want to ensure HVAC will retain function up front AC is hardly ever on in my cars but heat functioning is important, I did some testing with it unplugged things seem unphased? I live way up north in Michigan so no rear AC is far from a concern. One thing someone may have insight on is the fact my heater only blows hot when engine has load *driving*? (that's with rear ac plugged in or out) Is that normal? AI suggested blockage that only clears under rpm.

If anyone is curious about the wheel well, it was formerly a Pennsylvania dweller and previous owner had repairs done at Dynasty Offroad in Jersey.

 

[Stonefoot72]

Check coolant level in the radiator itself. I bet (and hope) your heating problem is coolant level related. Its a known culprit. It takes all of it to feed the heater core at idle. Overflow tank level can be decieving.

FYI in the future, slightly low refrigerant can cause the passenger side to blow cold but not the drivers side. These rigs are very sensitive to levels of "stuff"

Sorry, but no experience here on rear AC delete.

Great looking rig!

 

[Rednexus]

Rear and front to me appear to be totally different. The rear system receives freon from two very long hard lines that run down the passenger side frame rail. It then has it's own evaporator core, fan, and ducting behind the rear passenger side trim panel.

But, I don't think anyone on this forum (that I'm aware of) has actually deleted/removed the rear AC components. So, you'd be on your own in that regard.

 

[906thSense]

Thanks to the both of you for taking the time. I am going to go ahead and cut my lines and pluck er out.
Any suggestions on best place to cap I am eyeing up where it runs behind the front wheel well right now just because of access. Also interested if I don't care about having AC can I leave my system empty (of refrigerant) for the winter without damaging anything?
I am surprised there is not a thread from someone getting rid of the unit considering how giant it is. Delete the sub and rear HVAC and we're talking some serious space, obviously behind trim panel but if you were going fully custom anyways....

 

[906thSense]

Also I will check on coolant really hoping that sorts me out thank you!

 

[Rednexus]

You would not want to leave the system open. If it's open, moisture can get in it and cause havoc on the compressor, evaporator/condenser, and various valves. Many of those components are under the dash and hard to service. I'd suggest taking it to an auto AC shop to have the R134A evacuated, the lines properly capped, the drier bag replaced, and the system vacuumed down and refilled with freon.