Mk7 AC removal?

[5w30Duncan]

Hi, I've been rebuilding my van all summer, was scrap but will now do many more years, I was wondering if anyone has removed all of the AC from a 2.4 RWD mk7 engine compartment? It's had a front end knock at some point and a new bumper, and one of the AC alloy hoses has worn through and all refrigerant has escaped long ago, so it's either a new pipe and regas or take it out.

I was wondering if anyone had done it and if in removing the compressor you just need the shorter non-ac serpentine belt, or are the idler pulleys the same size? Will give better access to back of fuel pump etc anyway so I don't mind not having it, less to go wrong.

Thanks for any ideas, also what is the best photo bucket link type service to use on the forum software? Any one better? Thanks, Duncan.