Replace old AC compressor with late model compressor - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

BigRandy · 10-04-2024, 01:38 AM

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 · 10-04-2024, 07:28 AM

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 · 10-04-2024, 10:35 AM

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 · 10-04-2024, 10:39 AM

BTW, Alan Grove adapters are your friend.

Jeepwm69 · 10-04-2024, 10:43 AM

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

v30crewcab · 10-05-2024, 10:50 AM

sanden is the only one worth running anymore.

**72malibu** · 10-06-2024, 11:10 AM

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.

10-04-2024, 01:38 AM	#1
BigRandy Registered User Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 157	Replace old AC compressor with late model compressor 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? __________________ Repairing and driving old trucks is an analog experience. No computers or sensors and they can be fixed with basic hand tools

10-04-2024, 07:28 AM	#2
Bandit130 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Euless, Texas Posts: 517	Re: Replace old AC compressor with late model compressor 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 __________________ 1974 Cheyenne 10 LWB Stock 350 W/HEI /TH350/AC/4 BBL Quadrajet Mopar by Birth Chevy by Choice

10-04-2024, 10:35 AM	#3
Shifty One Registered User Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 732	Re: Replace old AC compressor with late model compressor 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! __________________ 1987 V20 farm-hand rescue 1998 C2500 lot-rot rescue

10-04-2024, 10:39 AM	#4
Shifty One Registered User Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 732	Re: Replace old AC compressor with late model compressor BTW, Alan Grove adapters are your friend. __________________ 1987 V20 farm-hand rescue 1998 C2500 lot-rot rescue

10-04-2024, 10:43 AM	#5
Jeepwm69 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Arkansas Posts: 685	Re: Replace old AC compressor with late model compressor I need to do this to my 83 with a leaky R4, so tagging for info.

10-05-2024, 10:50 AM	#6
v30crewcab Registered User Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Chatt Tn Posts: 977	Re: Replace old AC compressor with late model compressor sanden is the only one worth running anymore. __________________ 88 military v30 crewcab shortbed 5.9 cummins, nv4500, 205 86 k30, 89 diesel burb, 76 gmc pathfinder 71 longbed 5.3 4l80 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=522535

10-06-2024, 11:10 AM	#7
72malibu Active Member Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: Gaithersburg, MD Posts: 129	Re: Replace old AC compressor with late model compressor 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. Attached Images



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