Is it important to keep a cars options?

[gotyorgoat]

I am cleaning up my engine compartment and I am tempted to strip the non essential systems to get a cleaner look. How important it to keep these systems in tact? Specifically the blower motor and old A/C housing which hang off the fire wall and are ugly. Also the wiper fluid resivoir and pump. To me it's a muscle car so it should be bare bones but I don't know if most others feel that way. I also only drive it on nice days with the windows down so heat seems like it wouldn't be missed.

[TheJDMan]

IMO, that is completely up to the owner. I prefer a cleaner uncluttered engine bay. I installed the RainGear wiper motor which cleans up that part of the firewall nicely. My car was a factory non-AC so I don't have the big ugly factory AC air box.

[raustinss]

Well unless you love and drive in the most perfect part of the world I'd think wipers, A/C and heat would be considered essential

[BMR Sales]

Well, I have to keep the A/C

[Zoomin]

A lot of people ditch the original HVAC and get rid of that suitcase that takes up all that room and install an aftermarket unit anyway.

[gotyorgoat]

Agreed. That suitcase looks like junk, especially when the compressor is already gone. I removed it and covered the holes with a thick piece of rubber for this season, and will install the proper delete kit next year. Enough wrenching and time to start driving.

[gotyorgoat]

Most people wouldn't know the difference.

[Zspoiler]

Just remember these cars are mostly driven on the street.You need this stuff to safely drive it. Take some hint`s from the "Rod" guys.They can keep that stuff and make it look good.

[CampbellshotrodsAZ]

This is very region specific. Somewhere like the Midwest, A/C wouldn't even be a thought 10 months out of the year, however, wipers would be important. However, down here in AZ, you'd want A/C to be able to drive your car from May-September, yet wipers are rarely needed. My cars all keep the wipers, and are all getting A/C from now on.

[Twentyover]

For me, the answer depends on the level of content. If the car came from the Factory w/ A/C and a bunch of other options unusual for the period, I'd strive to keep them (The 65 elCamino had Factory air, and we're keeping it, but it had no other significant content) Doesn't mean you shouldn't spend time hardlining a bunch of hoses and hiding stuff between the inner and outer fender. Remember the factory routings were designed to be assembled quickly by high school dropouts, not to emphasize the beauty of the engine compartment.

[raustinss]

I think of it like this ...we have winter so when its possible i wouldn't want to have to say gee, only if it wasn't raining .I don't think it matters if the options are stock or aftermarket . i just want a usable car , heat, AC, cruise power windows etc . this hobby is expensive enough i don't have enough cash to just have it sit. Now my car was a daily driver . if your car is a purpose built car , then the options need to suit that purpose otherwise it/they are useless