Help! Can't Fit Factory AC with tall valve covers... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

elks · 12-07-2012, 12:54 PM

I am at the very end of building a 350 for my 72 truck. We are having a fitment issue with the belts. At first this was with both the AC and Altenator. We found a belt slightly longer for the alt and when the altenator is completely maxed out the belt barely works.

However we can not come up with a solution at all for the AC. Here are the pics I have. The ac compressor when rotated all the way in hits the valve cover long before I can get the stock belt to go on. If we went up belt size, I do not believe there is enough play left to pull the belt tight. What is the fix? I have roller rockers, thus the need for the raised valve covers.

Also to get to this point we have to redesign the lower bracket to get it spaced out and to "fit around the header....

Let me know what you think... Is there an aftermarket solution for the brackets with out going to a completely different system?

mrein3 · 12-07-2012, 01:47 PM

I put a stock AC system in my truck. When I got to the belt, I found that NAPA sells a different belt for 1971 vs. 1972. One is slightly longer than the other. I don't remember which but I know I used the longer one.

I also remember that it was a bear to get in/on the pulleys. If you're a noob at putting v-belts on, you'll never get it on putting it on the compressor after you have it on the crank and water pump. Get it on the AC first the put it on the other pulleys. I have jumped belts on with the starter but I don't recommend it and I know I didn't have to on my truck.
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**WIDESIDE72** · 12-07-2012, 03:11 PM

In my experience I have always had trouble when trying to run tall covers and stock a. I suggest going with short covers.
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elks · 12-07-2012, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WIDESIDE72

In my experience I have always had trouble when trying to run tall covers and stock a. I suggest going with short covers.
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Can't and still run the roller rockers...

I will look at the belt options and see what I can find.

Lee H · 12-07-2012, 05:32 PM

What rockers are you running? Most can run with the stock covers with double gaskets. That would at least get you running until you can find a long term solution.
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elks · 12-08-2012, 12:14 PM

Any other thoughts? Just tried the stock height covers and they are just not going to work. Almost need a middle height? Or brackets that are a little longer so that a longer belt will fit and get tight?

I know others have had this issue, just want to look at a variety of options before I settle on one....

12-07-2012, 12:54 PM	#1
elks Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: NW, Colorado Posts: 285	Help! Can't Fit Factory AC with tall valve covers... I am at the very end of building a 350 for my 72 truck. We are having a fitment issue with the belts. At first this was with both the AC and Altenator. We found a belt slightly longer for the alt and when the altenator is completely maxed out the belt barely works. However we can not come up with a solution at all for the AC. Here are the pics I have. The ac compressor when rotated all the way in hits the valve cover long before I can get the stock belt to go on. If we went up belt size, I do not believe there is enough play left to pull the belt tight. What is the fix? I have roller rockers, thus the need for the raised valve covers. Also to get to this point we have to redesign the lower bracket to get it spaced out and to "fit around the header.... Let me know what you think... Is there an aftermarket solution for the brackets with out going to a completely different system? __________________ Confidence is the feeling we have before we fully comprehend the situation

12-07-2012, 01:47 PM	#2
mrein3 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Center City, MN, USA Posts: 3,253	Re: Help! Can't Fit Factory AC with tall valve covers... I put a stock AC system in my truck. When I got to the belt, I found that NAPA sells a different belt for 1971 vs. 1972. One is slightly longer than the other. I don't remember which but I know I used the longer one. I also remember that it was a bear to get in/on the pulleys. If you're a noob at putting v-belts on, you'll never get it on putting it on the compressor after you have it on the crank and water pump. Get it on the AC first the put it on the other pulleys. I have jumped belts on with the starter but I don't recommend it and I know I didn't have to on my truck. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ '70 cab, '71 chassis, 383, TH350, NP205. '71 Malibu convertible '72 Malibu hard top Center City, MN

12-07-2012, 03:11 PM	#3
WIDESIDE72 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Cedar Park, Texas Posts: 7,500	Re: Help! Can't Fit Factory AC with tall valve covers... In my experience I have always had trouble when trying to run tall covers and stock a. I suggest going with short covers. Posted via Mobile Device

12-07-2012, 05:32 PM	#5
Lee H Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Upland Ca Posts: 4,147	Re: Help! Can't Fit Factory AC with tall valve covers... What rockers are you running? Most can run with the stock covers with double gaskets. That would at least get you running until you can find a long term solution. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1972 C10 SWB, Air, PS, PB, 350/350THM. Second owner. 1965 Corvette roadster, 44K miles, 327/365 SHP, 4 speed, side exhaust, knockoffs, teak, second owner (bought in 1970), Have ALL numbers matching components. My frame off restoration thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=556703

12-08-2012, 12:14 PM	#6
elks Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: NW, Colorado Posts: 285	Re: Help! Can't Fit Factory AC with tall valve covers... Any other thoughts? Just tried the stock height covers and they are just not going to work. Almost need a middle height? Or brackets that are a little longer so that a longer belt will fit and get tight? I know others have had this issue, just want to look at a variety of options before I settle on one.... __________________ Confidence is the feeling we have before we fully comprehend the situation



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