Whats the best way to replace A/C condenser?

Remove front bumper? Is it necessary?
Loosen radiator and tilt it back to gain access to condenser?

Remove the bumper or remove the radiator, neither are fun. If you need to replace your radiator hoses, or upgrade to an all-aluminum radiator, now is a good time.

Be careful with the line fittings, they can get badly corroded.

Actually both need to come out. Getting to the fittings on the condenser requires the front fascia to be removed (not a bad job - look at what holds it on and remove it as one big unit) and the radiator needs to be moved out of the way for removal.

Careful of the fins - they will peel your skin easily....

Dont forget to oil the fittings on reassembly.

[This message has been edited by olejoedad (edited 05-17-2013).]

quote Originally posted by olejoedad: Actually both need to come out. Getting to the fittings on the condenser requires the front fascia to be removed (not a bad job - look at what holds it on and remove it as one big unit) and the radiator needs to be moved out of the way for removal. Careful of the fins - they will peel your skin easily.... Dont forget to oil the fittings on reassembly.

I just pulled my radiator and then the condenser. I didn't have to pull the fascia to get to the connectors. I could get to them from the bottom. Maybe the aero nose doesn't require that?

Aero nose is the only bottom breather Fiero, you can access the fittings. Bumperpad and later base coupe/Formula were closed bottom mouth breathers and require removal of the bottom panel of the ductwork to access the fittings.

Ah! Thanks for clearing that up.

TK

quote Originally posted by TK: I just pulled my radiator and then the condenser. I didn't have to pull the fascia to get to the connectors. I could get to them from the bottom. Maybe the aero nose doesn't require that?

I have GT nose so I was hoping that I could just loosen the radiator without undoing any coolant hoses or fascia removal. Would that give me enough tilting room to get the condenser lifted out? I bought a new condenser from FieroFiberglass. (great service btw).

quote Originally posted by sricka01: I have GT nose so I was hoping that I could just loosen the radiator without undoing any coolant hoses or fascia removal. Would that give me enough tilting room to get the condenser lifted out? I bought a new condenser from FieroFiberglass. (great service btw).

You might get away with removing the bolts and moving it backwards. I've never tried it. I think the coolant hoses might fight you.

I need to update this thread for anyone else looking to replace the A/C condenser on GT cars.

I did not have to remove the bumper, hood, or even loosen the radiator.

1. Remove air dam metal plate and detach rubber dam from driver and passenger side bumper.
2. Air dam removed exposes bolts on lower side of condenser. These are rubber grommet bolts and may spin in place. I was able to put a finger behind the nut and remove them.
3. Use socket extension and near each hood hinge are the two upper bolts.
4. Loosen the inlet and outlet pipes with a 17MM wrench and crescent.
5. Shimmy the condenser outward towards the bottom.
6. Assembly is reverse of install. Be sure to scrape out old O-Rings and use proper size.

Good deal. Glad you got it done.

Nice! The proper size o-rings at the condenser are GM captured type, #6 and #8, AC Delco part #'s 15-3610 and 15-3984, respectively.