I don't know if this is the correct place for this topic, but here goes.

My car has factory air that does not work and presumably has not worked in years. Can i take off all of the parts related to the AC without having to swap to parts meant for a car without factory air? The reason I am asking is that I have read some older posts talking about switching to a different 'heater box'. I am not sure why or exactly what they were refereing to.

Any help on this would be appreciated.

 

Yes.
the A/C delete box you refering to will look alot better than the A/C box you have now if you remove all of the lines and what not.if you still have the V-belt system to run your accessories it will easier cause all you need to do is get rid of the compresser and it's bracketry and get a shorter belt for your remanding accessories.

 

If I remove all the lines, can I get rid of the 'silver canister' (expansion tank??) too? Or do I need the AC delete box to get rid of that?

I don't have a serpentine belt system, so right now I am only running the belt for the alternator and water pump (air pump belt and AC belt have already been removed).

 

you really should have the system evacuated professionaly (you'll have to excuse my spelling i'm still working on my first cup of coffee)
after that you can remove everything.