Austin84, I know you live in an area where AC isn't necessary, but I would seriously reconsider removing it. It really doesn't rob that much from a 1275. As long as it is working correctly, I would leave it in. However, as you can see, you shouldn't have any problem selling the unit if you go through with removing it. I know you aren't thinking about resale...but I would think it would be easier to resell with the AC.

I would be interested (if you are selling) in the whole kit including the dash if taken out properly and would work out another dash with you.

I would think the main reason that you would want to replace the dash instead of keeping it with the vents that wouldn't do anything is that once you remove the AC unit, you could sell the dash with the rest of that system.  Otherwise, the person buying said unit would need to be very creative.  As most of these units were in Jap spec Minis, it would be almost impossible to find another AC dash to put in if they didn't have yours.

Austin84, based on where you live, you and MiniMike are neighbors. Track him down!

If you're refering to the the York/Tecumseh compressors in old VW's then yeah that compressor weighs almost as much as a 1275 head but your Mini is running an aluminum bodied Unicla compressor which is pretty small, light and efficient. Your Mini should handle is just fine. 

Hi guys!

How refreshing it is to be part of a car forum that answers questions so quickly and by the minute!!! Buying a car that i've wanted since I was three has proved to be a positive from day one. Cheers!

With regards to air conditioning... I live in Victoria on Vancouver Island.. so its pretty cool here all year round Also, You have to remember my roots are VW so the old joke was german air conditioning= the sunroof and windows...

In anycase, I appreciate all your help so far. I do have the padded dash with centre vents and A/C-blower "windmill"switches. Is it absolutely necessary to replace the dash? I dont mind having centre vents that don't do anything.. I could replace the a/c dash vents with a din cup holder or something perhaps?... so long as its not as messy as dealing with heater cores.

I'm gonna read all your posts again and see what I can do.

Thanks again guys! You're awesome!

Parker

You'll have to have the system drained before removing it. Most auto air con places can do that for you. Then just start removing the bits. You'll need to pull the dash out to get at the pipes and wiring that goes through the firewall. There is a seperate wiring harness for the power, switches and relays for the air conditioning, that you can pull out as well.. just follow the wires and remove carefully. If you are planning on selling it take pictures and label everything. The alternator and compressor are on a special mount, so when you take out the air con, you will need to buy a standard style alternator bracket and a new belt. If you have the style that was part of the plastic molded dash with the built in vents, you may need a new dash.. if it's all underneath you'll just get more leg room on the passenger side. You will have to cover up the holes left in the firewall where the air conditioning hose passed through.  Not much room to work when you pulling it out, but it sure opens up the engine compartment when it's gone! Have fun taking it out.. not hard, but time consuming.  I have pics somewhere of when I took mine out if you want to take a look, let me know..

Depending where you are, I'll remove it for you if you let me keep the parts.......

It doesn't happen to be LHD?

I took mine out as well Mike.
Luckily it had depressurised before getting to me so just had to unbolt and remove the plumbing.
Lots more room under there now :-)

( I'll be keeping the hardware though incase a later owner wants to revert )

Wow.  You have a little mini.  Ours are mostly the 1959-onward size.  You can come up with your own jokes too, no need to rely on us.

The 1275 will pull the AC better than any of the other engines.  You can sort it out so that the AC compressor de-clutches at wide open throttle.  The AC is removed by having an AC person remove the refrigerant, and then the parts unbolt, unplug and so on.  As you can tell, some folks are keen to buy this hardware.

Parker,

Welcome to the nuthouse.  A great bunch of guys/gals here.

I must say, this must be one of those extremely rare times I have ever heard of someone wanting to remove the A/C from a Mini.  Most times folks are crying to

install it !

You must live pretty far north if you're wanting it out. hehe

Good luck sir.

If you are interested in selling the AC or at least the compressor mount, let me know.

Hey everyone!

First time mini owner... purchased a 94 Rover Mini spi that came with air conditioning. I come from a long line of volkswagens... and the compressors used to weigh almost as much as the cylinder head. I imagine this unit in a little mini has the same effect... doubly bad as I am sure it sucks half the life out of the 1275 engine.

In any case, I would like to remove this myself but first wanted to inquire if anyone has some experience in doing this, and the best way for me to go about it. Tried searching, couldn't find anything (honest!)

Cheers,

Parker