If you do it right, the A/C doesn't get opened at all. So no regas needed.

 

Thanks for that David. He was saying something about removing the bolts that hold the aircon to the rad

 

Yes, the A/C rad is bolted to the engine rad, so those bolts need to be removed. But the A/C rad doesn't move from where it is.

 

Ta again David, I will pass it on to him. He is a very good mech but this is probably the only GTA he works on

 

It is the same procedure on every other 156 with A/C.

 

Has the same when I got my radiator replaced. The mechanic, when giving me the quote, said that he wasn't sure whether it would be possible to get out without disturbing the AC, and therefore the price of a re-gas might be added to the quote.
Final price was as quoted, so he obviously managed it without.

 

I agree with all of the above, but whoever does it just needs to be a bit careful with the aluminium pipes, particularly near to the A/C radiator. If the aluminium is stressed it can tear / fracture. Its not that delicate but I know of a couple at least that have just snapped near where the A/C rad connects to the rest of the pipework.

Should be fine as long as they are not in a rush!

E.