I removed and installed a used clutch on a 1992 Acclaim with a Nippondenso AC compressor about 1.5 years ago. I would imagine the Imperial used the same AC compressor. The Nippondenso AC clutch does not fit as tightly as the C171 so there are no threads on the inside surface opening of the clutch plate into which you would screw a removal tool. The C171 required usage of a specialized removal tool.So, this car is now making me replace the AC clutch. I have no tools for this. What I'm wondering is, will the homemade clutch puller detailed on the main site for the C171 work for the 6C17 too? I'm already in bad shape for money - this needs to be kept as cheap as possible, and I ain't giving up my AC. Well, not for long anyway. I'm going to pull the clutch relay until I can get this fixed. It's going to suck not having AC when I know the system has a good R-12 charge in there, but not much else I can do.
To remove the AC clutch assembly remove the hex nut on the outside of the clutch plate. Gently tap around the face of the clutch plate with a hammer and the clutch plate should slide off with hand pressure. There are some shims behind the clutch plate and on the compressor shaft. Do NOT loose these shims as they provide proper and necessary clearance between the clutch plate face and the clutch. You will need to use outside reach snap ring pliers to remove the snap ring that holds the inner clutch. Expand the snap ring and remove. If I remember correctly one side of the snap ring has a beveled face and the other side is flat. Note which face is pointing out (I believe it is the beveled side) so that you can reinstall and orient correctly. You probably don't need to replace the clutch electrical coil.