I find it interesting that nobody mentioned
 

the fact that removing the A/C condenser improves radiator flow....why?
I might be able to block more of my grille now with it out.AND I CERTAINLY HAVE MORE ROOM TO WORK ON THINGS!!!!!

...assuming you haven't already removed the a/c system, removing the condenser radiator kinda/sorta puts the a/c system on the "fritz."

...however, yanking it ALL out of the car can reduce weight by up to 100-150 lbs, which should be good for another 1-2% FE!

ac, who needs it. funny how something frivilous that was like non-existant 40 years ago is a "need" for the generations who never lived without it.

...50-60 years ago, I'd agree; but there were plenty of a/c's sold in cars in 1969!

100lbs is pushing it for the AC system....it's mostly aluminum, at least it was in my car. The entire system in my car (compressor, condenser, radiators, and misc. plumbing and wiring) only weighed a little over 30lbs. Granted, that's for a 2 door Tercel, but I can't imagine it being too much heavier for a larger car.

The major difference for me when I removed the AC stuff was the realization that my radiator was in terrible condition. The AC radiator was covering up all the damaged/missing fins in the coolant radiator, so I couldn't really tell how bad it was.

As far as whether or not you need AC - there were maybe 2 weeks in this entire summer that I second-guessed my decision to remove the AC. I'm guessing that in Wisconsin, it probably would have been less than that. That's only 4% of the year - and I didn't even open the windows for those 2 weeks. Opening the windows alone would have been more than enough for me, if not, some type of portable fan would have sufficed.

If I were in a hotter climate, my feelings would probably be a little different. I get very claustrophobic in hot, humid areas, so if I was living in somewhere unbearably hot, I'd probably leave some sort of AC installed. But up here in NY, it's really not necessary.

I don't use it often, but some days, I turn it on for a few minutes... mostly when someone else is getting in my car, though. I cool it down a bit for them, but after that, it's windows down, head out the window, panting and gasping for air.

While I'm doing the 007 work on the Van, I plan on removing the A/C, I think... and probably installing a wet HVAC system for evap cooling when necessary.

Replace ac in that quote with alternator I'm right with you. Ok, you have to change the whole quote but you get what I mean.

One day people will start saying the same thing about a vastly more wasteful luxury, the alternator which is on all the time. I decided to keep my A/C and use it guilt free the few days of the year when I'm stuck in traffic. I figure I've earned it.

Having said that, the less the better.

Good on ya, I.C. Ha, your initials are I.C, and you are removing your A/C which is Icy. What am I drinking?

Down here in Atlanta - AC is something that we cannot really do without.

Granted i almost never turn mine on due to...
AM commute - car is "Cool" from overnight low temps
PM commute - car is parked in covered parking deck ( first available spot, facing OUT for quick exit)

But on weekends if driving somewhere with SWMBO - the AC comes on.

So for that reason - It has to stay in car....

That is a good point that I hadn't thought about. Considering the only vehicle in my driveway with working AC is the Celeb. I might be able to remove the condensor from the 6k wagon and block off both grilles. Also might be able to remove the condensor from the van and increase cooling when towing. I use a fan over the trans cooler than runs full time with the fuel pump.

When both cars are parked in the sun there is a huge difference in temperatures inside my TDI with a light tan interior vs our inside out black Elantra.