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

[Grim Reaper]

It can be done but you have to change EVERYTHING including the inside box and the controls. The Fire wall is different and you will have to patch the holes and make new holes so you can put a Non A/C box on it so that you will have heat.

I would start by hunting up a Non A/C truck and getting al lthe parts you need and mayber cuttong out that part of the fire wall to use as a templet.

I guess I'm old but A/C is on my priority list of must haves even on my beaters .

[ShortBedChevy]

wow! Then this project is either a no go or its going to wait... Can't afford that stuff right now... I need to put a new rear end on first (stripped the old one two days ago).. Maybe i will just keep it? Get the a/c a tune up and maybe it would actually work....
Thanks a lot!

[Grim Reaper]

Originally Posted by ShortBedChevy

wow! Then this project is either a no go or its going to wait... Can't afford that stuff right now... I need to put a new rear end on first (stripped the old one two days ago).. Maybe i will just keep it? Get the a/c a tune up and maybe it would actually work....
Thanks a lot!

I bet if you have a complete system with brackets that you could find an old fart like me that would want to trade straight up But a little tip.....Your little honey might enjoy rolling up the window and enjoying the A/C or you can turn the A/C down real low and she might snuggle up to stay warm.