A/C Removal Questions *Help*!!!

[ShortBedChevy]

Hey, i want to remove the A/C from my 85 shortbed 350 silverado that has a th400 tranny and rochester carb. Mostly i just dont use it, it uses too much power and gas when its on... as well as its real heavy and i also really want the more horsepower... Is this something a 16 year old can takle by hisself?
I want to remove it also to fit my new valve covers on.. One cover won't go on because of a piece of metal is not allowing it to move the 1/8 inch or so back to slide onto the bolts... The other cover went on well..
I have a chiltons book... but could only get the 73 - 79 chevy one.. I figure most of it is the same.. i also have parts books that show all the parts you can buy in a diagram for an 85 chevy a/c... I live in MT and definetly want to keep the heater lol
What all do i remove, add, swap, move, etc? And do i need any special tools?
I do believe that i need to get a smaller belt for it when i take the a/c compresser off of it right? if so, can i just go to checker, and ask for a belt for a 350 w/o a/c? and if i can, do i need to adjust it? or can i just slid it on?
Sorry, i am pretty much a newbie, and i realize this may be hard to follow... but any comments will help greatly!!
Thanks so much!
Chris