Advice on installing AC condenser

Hi guys. My 79 originally had AC, but the previous owner took it off. I purchased some parts and I'm trying to reinstall it now. My question, is I tried just setting the condenser down in front of the radiator today, and it really had no room to go in there with the hood open. I managed to shimmy it down into place, but it still looks like the hood will hit it when trying to fully open. Should it be this close? Like I said I've never had it in there before so I dunno, it just seems like there should be more room.

On my '78 with the hood up it is within about an 1/8 inch of the metal side frames holding the condenser in place. About a 1/2 inch clearance to the fin tubes in the center.
Removing the hood isn't that hard if it would make the job easier. Just need help holding and unbolting.
Jeffm2008-05-18 17:19:23

I just installed a condenser.  I took the hood off.  While it looked like you could work it in there with the hood on, I figured I'd wind up buggering up the fins.  

I installed the one in my '71 with the hood on, I just had a friend hold it closed a little until the gap was wide enough, and slid it in. Once mounted, the hood opens and closes fine, but there is very little room left!

Awesome, thanks for the replies!

That's an easy decision...convert it to 134a while you have it all apart. You probably need to change some o-rings and hoses anyway. Plus you will need to pull a vacuum on the system once it is assembled. I did mine a few years back and have had no problems at all. Kstyer, a fellow member here, answered all of my questions and the procedure was trouble free. Best of luck.

Scott