SBC A/C Compressor Brackets

[ThreeQuarter]

As I’m getting ready to get the A/C working in my ‘68, what do I need to know about using 67-68 A/C compressor brackets vs. the later model set of brackets? Are the 67-68 brackets better or worse in any way? I don’t see much discussion about these on the board.

Here’s what I think I know so far:

• I have a ‘68 that I’m restoring mostly to the original look & feel, but I’m making reasonable compromises when original-ness is hard to implement.
• It’s a factory A/C pickup and the original A/C brackets came with it, but the big bracket has been broken and repaired by welding an engine hoist eye to it. It would take some work to make it look original again.
• Based on what I (don’t) see on the board, finding a new 67-68 A/C compressor brackets would be a challenge.
• I also have a later-model set of brackets if I want to use them.

What’s your experience with these brackets?

[FirstOwner69]

My early December 69 came with the old style brackets. I'm not sure if that style bracket lasted through the model year.

I hated those brackets. It is virtually impossible to remove the right valve cover without removing all the A/C crap. When I restored the truck, I used the new style brackets. I would never go back.

[Accelo]

More of the old stuff out there than I ever imagined.
I wasn't aware the AC bracket were different between the 67-68 and the 1969-72.
Some pictures below of a couple AC brackets. Maybe someone can explain the differences. I am not even sure the pictured brackets are correct for our trucks. Fodder to start the conversation.
I have a bunch of AC brackets. Some SBC and other are BBC.
Cheers

[ThreeQuarter]

That’s the kind of review I was looking for, Jim—thanks. Usually there are good reasons why brackets get changed after only 1-2 years, so I suspected the later I ones were better in some way.

Good call on the pics. I’m on the road and can’t take pics of the two sets I have, but here are a couple of pics of the 67-68/9 brackets in situ that I found here on the forum. These two pics appear to be different from each other and I do t know the explanation of the difference. Is the close-up pic not a small block, maybe?

[ThreeQuarter]

Another related question: Is there a difference in the type of compressor each bracket type will mount? Do they put the compressor in a different place and require a different belt?

[chewychevy67]

Originally Posted by ThreeQuarter

Another related question: Is there a difference in the type of compressor each bracket type will mount? Do they put the compressor in a different place and require a different belt?

They both use the same compressor but I think the early style might push the compressor out to the front a but more. My 67 327 has a 3 groove water pump pulley and ac uses the first one to the front. As to the second style you are referring to it is just a few added brackets to support the pump.

[Accelo]

Wow, what an over complicated POS.
I understand why GM changed it. I have a 64 Chevelle, with air, and it looks nothing like this. I don't recall ever seeing an thermostat extension like the one in the picture.

Manufacturing has come a long way. No way this bracket would even be considered in the modern world. Pictured below is a modern Silverado Air-condition bracket.
It has one other piece a spring loaded idler, that's it.

[ThreeQuarter]

Thanks, chewy—excellent pics and good info.

Accelo—it is definitely over complicated. The big bracket was made with two pieces welded together, which in 1967 I’m guessing must have been done by hand. GM was probably very motivated to replace this design!

[HotWheelsFan]

Remember, long nose water pump uses different brackets than short nose...

Bob

[FirstOwner69]

The second picture in post 4 above is mine. Here are a few more pics that show the early style in more detail.

[NGN]

I'm not positively sure but would the brackets be different on a 67 compared to 68 do to no mounting holes in the front of the heads. Not much familiar with AC bracket. I do know I would like to have AC in my truck ��.

[ThreeQuarter]

I think both ‘67 and ‘68 lacked threaded holes in the front of the heads, which is part of the reason for the early brackets’ complex design—they probably had to reach out real far to find enough existing anchor points to brace a very heavy compressor.