64 With BB & A/C

[korvettekarl]

Need everyone's help on this. My boss bought a 64 with a Big Block. He wants to install the A/c. The car was originally factory air. Has anyone used the A/C brackets from vintage Air for a 65 Big Block and if so how did it go. I'm hoping this will work as he is ADAMANT about having A/C.

 

[IH2LOSE]

Well we know this car did not come from the factory with a Big Block in it. the brackets he would use would have to be for a 66 or 67 big block.What mods were done to the car to allow a big block to fit in it. Does he have power steering in it. Do you know if he still has a small block radiator in it.

 

[Kid_Again]

Not sure of your question. Are you asking whether the VA brackets will fit with the original Frigidaire compressor? If so, I haven't a clue.

I installed the VA kit on my '66 original big block and had no serious problems that a hammer couldn't fix. For the important parts, I see no reason why the '64 would be different than a '66. I did use the correct mounting for a bb which puts the compressor on the passenger's side.

Not sure this helps. Post away.

 

[korvettekarl]

I bought the brackets for a Sanden compressor. The bracket is awfully close to the upper control arm on thte passenger side.yes it has a small block radiator that is being replaced with a Griffin Big Block radiator. No it does not have power steering.

 

[IH2LOSE]

Well good luck with it Karl.I guess the hardest part will be getting the correct pulleys for it. and being able to get enough radiation for the big block with a/c

 

[Kid_Again]

I think you'll be OK on the lower clearance. Where I had a problem was the V belt clearance with the lowere radiator hose. When I get a chance I will post a picture of my solution to the problem but here's a verbal summary of what I did. First, it helps that my VA Sanden compressor has a two groove pulley (most have one and I don't know why). The best initial line up was to use the aft groove on the compressor first but when I made a full loop (back compressor groove down to the crank pulley, up over the water pump pulley and back to the rear compressor pulley), that put the belt right on the lower radiator hose. NFG.


Here is my solution. I started with a fancy underdrive pulley set from March (thanks to VNV for making me spend MORE money, and yes, the BB runs a little bit warmer but I that is expected). The important part is the 3 groove crank pulley (note that 3 groove water pump pulleys are NOT generally available but can be bought from places like LICS for $125 a pop - not needed).

So, here's the hook-up going fore to aft. The front belt starts on the fore-most crank pully and then goes directly to the driver's side alternator and returns to the crank.

The second belt starts on the middle crank pulley, goes over the water pump first groove, hits the compressor front groove and then goes back to the crank - LOTS of clearance from the lower radiator hose (the water pump is an aftermarket variant).

The thrid belt does not hit the crank pulley at all. The third belt starts at the back of the water pump pulley, goes to the passenger side AC compressor and goes right back to the water pump. No hose clearance issues and I double up on the compressor grip because I got some belt squeel with a single blet drive.

When you pop the hood and first take a look at my setup you go but I like it.

Hope this helps.

 

[magicv8]

There will probably be a problem with the BB rad too.

A 65 rad MAY fit the support. A 66 or 67 BB rad will not. I have a Griffin rad in my 66.

 

[ctjackster]

as for the aftermarket AC, I would think you would order it (from VA or classic air, etc) as if you had a 66 BB, and the items should work assuming you have a basic BB in there. Not too much special in the way of bracktry only found on BBs with AC - the exhaust manifolds should be ready to go. Your alt will move over to the D-side if not already there, you can get a pigtail from LectricLimited for that aspect. You will always be messing around with pulleys and such - you might consider just mimicking whatever set up the 66 BB used, you are adding an additional groove to the water pump pulley in that case, as the stock 427 w/ AC config drvies the compressor off of the water pump pulley alone. This is a 67, but same config applied throughout for AC:

or you can show some creativity and do it like KidAgain, nothing wrong with blazing your own trail.

 

[korvettekarl]

Wow. Thanks for all the support. That's what makes this site GREAT! It should be a fun little exercise in engineering. So far I am waiting on the Giffin radiator. I do have the VA Compressor Brackets and the Sanden compressor. Looking at the engine compartment shows that this car will probably have to lose the aftermarket valve covers(too tall). Thanks to everybody. I will keep you posted and post some pictures when I can. My partner and I usually only do 5,6,and 7 Shoe boxes when it comes to Air Condiditoning but my boss roped me into it.

 

[stepinwolf]

This is what I did

Here is a close up of the installation in my 66 425Hp big block. Contrary to certain others, I used the forward pulley, and everything worked out like a charm. This system was from VA

However to be on the safe side, I also installed an additional electric fan up against the radiator in the engine side.

Stepinwolf

 

[korvettekarl]

Update: Still waiting on Griffen radiator, aluminum valve covers will have to go and I will have to find some pulleys. The bracket form VA will work and it fits great.