Buying Vintage Air - Need Help W/ Bracket Choices

[es67chevy]

Well, I've been searching and can't find what I need so hoping starting this thread will help.

I'm trying to purchase a vintage air setup for my 67, but I'm stuck on my bracket choices. It has a 94 SBC motor in it. Currently, the alternator is set up on the passenger side. I need to come up with the correct brackets to relocate it to the driver's side. Vintage air gives me a couple of choices - one is the side mount, but it won't work with the correct headers for this truck because the bracket is designed for manifolds. The other is the top mount brackets, but I'm not sure about clearance or looks (if anyone has this setup, please post pics).

So, those with headers out there, what brackets did you use for your passenger side compressor and driver's side alternator? Any pics would help.

[Rack Man]

I just installed my VA compressor the other day....I have the stock style alternator mounts and they work perfect.....Also, the compressor brackets are the same for either manifolds or headers....they give you several extra spacers for the compressor brackets to work with either...so having headers should not change anything!

Here is a good thread of the VA install....he also relocated the alternator....
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=249479

Here's a couple quick pics of my set up:

[71tahoe]

I have newer model power steering pump for LWP and used a spacer with a longer bolt for the adjustment tab mount. Has worked great for years. It should also work for the AC compressor.

[es67chevy]

Originally Posted by 71tahoe

I have newer model power steering pump for LWP and used a spacer with a longer bolt for the adjustment tab mount. Has worked great for years. It should also work for the AC compressor.

You wouldn't happen to have a picture of that setup would you. Trying to picture it, but it just ain't happenin'

[es67chevy]

Originally Posted by Rack Man

I just installed my VA compressor the other day....I have the stock style alternator mounts and they work perfect.....Also, the compressor brackets are the same for either manifolds or headers....they give you several extra spacers for the compressor brackets to work with either...so having headers should not change anything!

Here is a good thread of the VA install....he also relocated the alternator....
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=249479

Thanks, Rack Man. I see you still have stock manifolds. The guys at VA told me they didn't think it would work unless I had stock manifolds. Here are the headers I'm using. Are you able to tell based on what you know about where the brackets bolt onto the block whether this setup might work?

[Rack Man]

Originally Posted by es67chevy

Thanks, Rack Man. I see you still have stock manifolds. The guys at VA told me they didn't think it would work unless I had stock manifolds. Here are the headers I'm using. Are you able to tell based on what you know about where the brackets bolt onto the block whether this setup might work?

No...they will work with headers as well (see below)....But now looking at your particular headers...it may indeed be a problem...because the front tube goes back over the top which appears to be blocking direct access to the 3rd flange hole from the front (which is needed).......My guess would be that you will need to purchase the standard brackets and then modify it to accomodate....The brackets come unpainted and I think it would be an easy modification...though it will probably require a bit of fabrication / welding.....

Here is the standard compressor bracket installation instructions for headers...it should give you an idea of what will need to be done....

http://www.vintageair.com/DownloadsS...A%20(Inet).pdf


Here's how it would kinda look with a more standard design type header....

[71tahoe]

Originally Posted by es67chevy

You wouldn't happen to have a picture of that setup would you. Trying to picture it, but it just ain't happenin'

Originally Posted by es67chevy

Thanks, Rack Man. I see you still have stock manifolds. The guys at VA told me they didn't think it would work unless I had stock manifolds. Here are the headers I'm using. Are you able to tell based on what you know about where the brackets bolt onto the block whether this setup might work?

74 power steering only required the front bolt from the manifold. I can take a pic later of the tab but it's not on the truck.

Looks like it's going to be a challenge with those headers.

[Rack Man]

Looking at it again....the stock compressor brackets (for headers) may indeed work....hard to tell for sure but it appears that the rear bracket may slip right into place even with the front tube designed like that.....

[Richard H.]

Check out Bills Hotrod site, he has the configurations you want and or choices. I got the high mount for my 71 and the top of the pump is the same height as my air cleaner , the brackets do not involve the exhaust.
And.. the brackets on my 55 are from vintage air and work fine, no exhaust involved , you may wanna call em back.

[es67chevy]

Originally Posted by Richard H.

Check out Bills Hotrod site, he has the configurations you want and or choices. I got the high mount for my 71 and the top of the pump is the same height as my air cleaner , the brackets do not involve the exhaust.
And.. the brackets on my 55 are from vintage air and work fine, no exhaust involved , you may wanna call em back.

Have a link?

[Richard H.]

Yuppers..
http://www.hotrodsusa.com/store/bills.html
There's pics of both in my build thread.

[es67chevy]

I appreciate all the ideas everyone has contributed.

Is there anyone that has a tried and true method out there? Anyone running headers similar to mine or has a way around using the header bolts to mount an alternator and compressor? Just hoping to see some successful installs using a setup like mine. Most of the brackets are pretty expensive and I'd like to get it right the first time.

[Sammy]

Why not just use a serpentine setup? Wouldn't that solve all the header issues?

[es67chevy]

Originally Posted by Sammy

Why not just use a serpentine setup? Wouldn't that solve all the header issues?

Honestly, I'm not sure. Does it? And how do I know what works with my motor, water pump, etc?

[Sammy]

Although I do not have headers the serp setup does not go any where near the manifolds for interference or issues. All you need is the stock assy holes in the heads for installation. And your 350 should have that. My son has headers on his 305/350 and the headers was not a factor. I can take pics if you want. It is just important you get everything, water pump, AC, PS crank pulley, thermostat housing, upper rad hose, and any hardware from the doner truck. Clean not very difficult install. Electric fan mod would compliment this mod. Just throwing this out as an alternative to the bracket difficulties..Good Luck.

[es67chevy]

Originally Posted by Sammy

Although I do not have headers the serp setup does not go any where near the manifolds for interference or issues. All you need is the stock assy holes in the heads for installation. And your 350 should have that. My son has headers on his 305/350 and the headers was not a factor. I can take pics if you want. It is just important you get everything, water pump, AC, PS crank pulley, thermostat housing, upper rad hose, and any hardware from the doner truck. Clean not very difficult install. Electric fan mod would compliment this mod. Just throwing this out as an alternative to the bracket difficulties..Good Luck.

Would definitely appreciate the pics if its not too much trouble! Thanks for the additional tip.

[chevy_mike]

I checked out your build thread and didn't see it posted there or in this one.

What headers are those??? I like them.

[es67chevy]

Yeah, hadn't gotten that far in the build yet, but getting close...If I can just get it painted. They are Hedman Elites from Summit Racing or Jegs. We wanted at least 1 5/8" diameter tubes with 3" collectors and these fit the bill. Plus they are ceramic coated.

[Sammy]

I can get another pic of the L/H side where the A/C unit would mount if you would like. But I did have these two pics already saved which might give you an idea. The Serp setup I used was from a 94 GMC. It is a 1 piece serp setup bracket. There is a two piece serp setup slightly more common. Used on Chevy V-6's and the small block V-8s also. That is what my son used on his small block. Very little difference except one is two piece cast metal and the one I used is one piece steel serp. Both are very common at junk yards. We had our serp setups powder coated. Also since i didn't immediately need my A/C pump I had to use a delete A/C pully that is the pulley in the upper left corner.

[es67chevy]

This may very well work. Now, I think it looks like I can use my current new long water pump right? IE, I don't need a reverse water pump? And how do I know what alternator these systems came with? I've been told I should probably get a 140 amp or somewhere right around there.

[westofb]

Originally Posted by Sammy

I can get another pic of the L/H side where the A/C unit would mount if you would like. But I did have these two pics already saved which might give you an idea. The Serp setup I used was from a 94 GMC. It is a 1 piece serp setup bracket. There is a two piece serp setup slightly more common. Used on Chevy V-6's and the small block V-8s also. That is what my son used on his small block. Very little difference except one is two piece cast metal and the one I used is one piece steel serp. Both are very common at junk yards. We had our serp setups powder coated. Also since i didn't immediately need my A/C pump I had to use a delete A/C pully that is the pulley in the upper left corner.

Not intending to jack the thread, I have a 2 piece serp set up for my truck build and will be installing a/c at at later date. Where can you find the a/c delete pulley set up? I have been to the junk yards and can't find one. I am not real close to installing it yet, but I would like to go ahead and get one and have it when I do need it.

I would agree to switch to this set up, they are super easy to find, I beleive chevy went to them about 87 and are basically the same on all sbc's as well as 4.3 V6 set ups (interchangable with sbc set up front of v6 exactly the same as sbc). They only bolt to front of the engine block and heads, have nothing to do with exhaust studs, only have the one belt, no issues with throwing belts either. Get everything mention above, you need the water pump for a core at the least, they are different from your water pump because the are spun by the belt in opposite direction!

[westofb]

Originally Posted by es67chevy

This may very well work. Now, I think it looks like I can use my current new long water pump right? IE, I don't need a reverse water pump? And how do I know what alternator these systems came with? I've been told I should probably get a 140 amp or somewhere right around there.

See my last post, you have to use serp set up water pump it spins in opposite direction (it looks externally like your long water pump). Go to the junk yard and look for a 87-92 chevy police car for your donor vehicle. They come with the highest output alternator you can get to make all the po po crap work! Get all the brackets, alternator, water pump, power steering pump, and the crank and water pump pulleys, also grab the fan and fan clutch (remember, they sping opposite too)!

[Sammy]

Yes. folks the serp setup uses the reverse rotation WP. As far as the AC delete pully I googled mine and ordered one via the net. But if you have good ol fashioned parts store who likes to service customers they can find it. And probally your local Chevy parts dealership. My Alt from the 94 GMC was a 105 amp 1 wire but just about any setup for serp would work. Also depending on engine mount placement (room between rad and long pump) some serp setups also have a reverse bent fan blade. But with a 4 core and in the front eng mts it may create a issue with a shroud, I dunno. I went ahead with dual virgo fans, custom shroud and a adj thermostat in the rad my self.

[Sammy]

With the small block in the front mount holes and a 4 core rad. I only had about 3 1/2 inches clearance. I didn't want to modify my stock shroud and couldn't see how a later model shroud would fit without looking slick. Here are pics of what worked for me.

[es67chevy]

It seems every new answer spawns three new questions. Hahaha.

I think I'm good on clearance because I have a dual fan setup as well.



Now, I'm not sure of the alternator. There's one wire, OE wire, external regulator, internal regulator....Argh!!!!! I have a painless wiring kit for the truck. How do I know what style of alternator I will need?

And since I'm buying the Vintage Air kit to work with the serp setup, I shouldn't need an A/C delete pulley. But I'm still not sure if I can order a Vintage air setup that will work with the serpentine setup that I haven't found yet. Hahahahaha. This is maddening.


I do appreciate all the help here. You are dealing with a first timer here!!!