Few Questions on Heating, Best option for Driver AC/Heater & Can I remove?

[80Eagle10]

Hello everyone! 
I recently purchased a 1980 model 10 and am converting it to a RV. It has been a humbling experience to say the least but I am learning a lot and it is coming along.  I had to put a new fuel tank in the third storage compartment as the original 2 were rusted. I am now in the process of removing the additional 2 external tanks in the compartment to move the fuel tank to the back to make room for my 2 water tanks.  As I am doing this I see a lot of stuff that looks like heating elements in the back that I am not planning on using to heat the bus.  Can I remove all of this or is any of it necessary for the front Driver heater / AC to work. 
Which brings me to my second question, it looks like the original heat AC unit in the front.   I have read I need to keep this to have defrost and would be nice to have the AC/ heater working as I drive.  Is this worth it / easy to service / maintain to keep or would I need to buy a whole new unit.  I have seen others ranging from $1200-$3k but do not have an unlimited budget so any ideas or options would be appreciated.

Last hurdle I am dealing with is the windshield wipers. They went once then stopped working. I have seen other electrical replacements but again that is $1500,  could I use any truck wiper motors from a junk yard or any other creative soultions? 

Thank you!!
 

[goldeneagle]

You have a good looking bus. Your question is a pretty big one for me. If you would like driver AC and or heat, I would what components were needed for each and use them and add the other parts like AC compressor and what have you. It would be good if you could come to a rally and look at other peoples bus.
Good luck, Marty

[80Eagle10]

Thank you Marty! It is coming along. I would love to come to one of the rallys! When and where is the next one? 

[beltguy]

Re rally.  There is one in Branson MO. this week. 

Re factory heat and AC.  Most remove or disconnect the system because it is old and hard to maintain.

Here is a thread on my opinion of what the best system is:  viewtopic.php?p=29810

Jim