Yep, the air conditioning complicates things. I decided not to drop the engine, maybe a bad decision, but I'm limited for space working in a single car garage and lifting the engine without a hoist is a problem. On other cars I've always removed the head and accessories before removing the block just to make things more manageable.
I did find out about the access panel on this forum, thanks folks! I can't say the access panel makes things easy, but it does make it possible.
One thing I've found out is that there is not enough adjustment in the alternator and air compressor to get enough slack to easily remove the v-belts. The water pump is different, you split the crank pulley to free up the belt but then the motor mount is too close to the pulley to easily remove the belt. There are 2 v-belts that must be removed to get at the timing belt which was the goal to start with.
Regardless, I've made good progress and now the engine is pretty much stripped bare. I've removed some seals and they are so hard that the rubber shatters like hard plastic when I pry them out. I guess that explains the oil leaks. The valve seals were the same, hard and brittle. The advantage of oil leaks is that it preserves the engine parts so there is very little corrosion. Once they are degreased they look brand new.
I've been methodically replating hardware with my home plating kit and using a yellow zinc treatment. It will look good once it goes back together. If I get motivated I'll post a few pictures soon.