Air Con Condenser Removal 1969 2+2 US Spec

[eddiecross]

Hi,
I want to remove the Air Con condenser from in front of the radiator as it is a bit of a rusty eyesore and in the way of detailing the radiator area. The rest of the system is intact but no idea if it is charged or not. Car has been standing for many years.

Is there any quick way of knowing whether any gas is present or not- other than running the system with engine on (will be a week or two before I can get the engine started)?
Thx
Eddie cross
Egham

[Hugo]

Just crack open one of the unions? I have just done the same thing to my recently acquired S 2 from S. Carolina. It started with a noisy water pump, which meant I had to remove that hideous bracket that holds the compressor on, and the job sort of escalated from there till I had removed the entire air-con system. I just assumed my condenser would be empty, and it was! I would imagine yours will be too if it has been standing for many years.