AC Condenser and Cross Braces
 

I know there have been many AC installs in the past but I can't find any mention of the need to remove the cross-brace in front of the radiator to install the AC condenser. I saw a dealer install instructions that do it in the FAQ section but no other: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=559436
Does anyone have any reference or experienced issues?
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1357696976

Re: AC Condenser and Cross Braces
 

I believe the x braces are still in the 63 A/C truck I just bought.

Re: AC Condenser and Cross Braces
 

Thank you aerotruk63, I guess what I'm I'm asking is - If you put an AC system in, did you have to remove the cross braces?

Re: AC Condenser and Cross Braces
 

The braces would not allow access to the rad support with the thick condensor. Once the condensor is in place you can put the cross braces back. Not much space between the x brace and condensor afterwards.

Re: AC Condenser and Cross Braces
 

I will have to double check but I think the x brace on a factory ac rad support is a little different than a standard no ac truck so it would give it a little more room. Also I think it was put in with rivets as well. This was on a 1966 c20. When I took the ac system out I kept the x brace because of this

Re: AC Condenser and Cross Braces
 

All X braces came riveted from the factory. Once the condenser is installed their bolted back in with what looks like a spacer.

Re: AC Condenser and Cross Braces
 

Do I even need it once everything is installed and tightened up?

Re: AC Condenser and Cross Braces
 

I installed a Vintage Air unit in my 63 step side. I didn't remove cross braces. Clearance is close but it fit. I didn't remove the grill either as truck had just been painted and I didn't want to "bugger" up the bolts. Suggest hooking up wire leads before putting installing the condenser.

Re: AC Condenser and Cross Braces
 

Just a little summary, not trying to be .......
On non factory A/C trucks cross braces are riveted to core support top and bottom, as stated above.
On factory installed A/C trucks, cross braces are riveted on bottom and bolted on the top.
As stated above, when the dealer installed the A/C unit, the factory rivets where removed and bolts with spacers where put back, as shown in figure 1 above.
Also the cross braces on factory installed A/C trucks where different design, along with other core support differences.
Photos show the cross brace on factory installed A/C trucks.

Also, for me I would keep the cross braces, protects the radiator and core support from stress, stiffens the whole front clip.

Les

Re: AC Condenser and Cross Braces
 

Factory applications were only 65-66 . 63 below were only dealer installed.

Re: AC Condenser and Cross Braces
 

The factory air cross braces were riveted at bottom and bolted at top. The also were bent to allow for condensor as shown above. I do have an extra brace stamped for air if you are interested.

Re: AC Condenser and Cross Braces
 

Okay looks like I have the information I need. I can make stand-off spacers if I need to.
The plan is to also put a trans cooler in the front so I'm looking for space. Thank you guys for the information. :)

Re: AC Condenser and Cross Braces
 

It's up to you as well if you even use an x brace. There are pics in my build thread where I istalled vintage air and did not reinstall brace. No issues with out it.

Re: AC Condenser and Cross Braces
 

That's what I thought. I look at many pictures on line and see many without it. I don't want to be blasphemous or anything... :lol: