Replace old AC compressor with late model compressor

[BigRandy]

My Harrison A6 compressor went out. From what I can tell used ones are very hard to find, and no telling what shape a 40 year old compressor might be in, and anything new or rem'd is crazy high.

I was thinking, if I'm going to do the work and spend the money, why not use the compressor and brackets from a late model Chevy? At least late model parts would be easier to get when needed, and I'm not interested in keeping it original. I just want cold air.

I searched and found posts on converting from R12 to R134, replacing the compressor with a Harrison clone, etc.

The truck was converted to R134 before I got it so I don't know what all was replaced. A flush and new dryer would be a must. Will late model mounts fit my 454?

I would flush the system, replace the dryer, mount the late model compressor and recharge it to 80% of factory R12 spec, but my gut says I may be missing a lot more.

I don't see this being too difficult as long as I can use something with a v-belt from the 80's. I could also do serpentine and change everything if really necessary, or am I really opening a can of worms that I'm not going to like?

[Bandit130]

I replaced several reman compressors in 5 years. They just don't last. I got this sanden style in 2022 and have been very happy with it.

https://nostalgicac.com/a6-to-sanden...rsion-kit.html

[Shifty One]

Did the Sanden SD508 swap after changing the r4 several times, one of which exploded, and filled my system full of doo-doo, which necessitated changing the condenser and evap core.

All is well now, and it cools extremely well, even in Tucson traffic.

Do it!

[Shifty One]

BTW, Alan Grove adapters are your friend.

[Jeepwm69]

I need to do this to my 83 with a leaky R4, so tagging for info.

[v30crewcab]

sanden is the only one worth running anymore.

[72malibu]

Here's a pic of some Alan Grove bracketry with a Sanden style compressor. This motor has headers and I didn't want to bolt any accessory brackets to the side of the block. The original AC system and bracketry was also long gone.

I used both Alan Grove AC brackets and power steering brackets.

The trickiest part was finding the correct length power steering belt to orient the fill cap where I wanted it once the belt was properly tensioned.