So say I wanted to remove my ac I would relocate the alternator to the compressors spot. I would remove the condenser and accumulator and lines. But that still leave me with an evaporator and case on the fire wall. Is the xj with out ac having a different heater box and Firewall area?

 

When I did mine, I removed the condensor and the large round thingy but left the aluminum box at the firewall and just plugged up any areas that had anything connected. I dont think the heater core should be affected.

I have been driving mine off and on with no affects from the heater.

I also left the compressor at the stock location and just unplugged everything from it, I didnt want to have to mess with the belt.

I have seen these cool compressor replacement brackets that have a pulley on them but if you could relocate the alternator to the compressor location that would be better.

 

I have the pulley now just because my compressor was seized. Ive read about a bracket to relocate the alternator up there and about turning the compressor into onboard air. I was thinking about a duel battery charged by two seprate alternators the second set to run accessories like lights inverters winches etc.

 

On all my stock body race cars I remove everything from the firewall area (including the heater). Once removed I clean it well including and rust then make a tracing of the area to be covered and transfer it to cardboard.


Then after cutting out the cardboard and doing a final fit on the firewall I do a tracing on a piece of aluminum and cut it out. After drilling a couple of holes and securing them with cleco's I remove the aluminum plate and run a heavy bead of silicone all around it. Then replace and carefully drill and rivet it to the firewall.


I have never done this to an XJ but well worth a close inspection and see if you can do it on yours, I'm not able to have a look at mine right now or I would look myself. I buy full sheets (4x8') of aluminum from a dealer that sells to race car body builders (circle track) and comes in many colors last I bought was black.

 

I'll look into it I still want me heater but I don't use the a/c that much. I haven't had ac on any of my cars for a long time this is the first one

 

Has anyone else done the firewall removal - bypass for getting at their heater core? That sounds like an interesting alternative.