Header A/C bracket

[Fairlane514]

I was thinking, why can't I use my original bracket and studs, and then use some spacers. Or long bolts and spacers. Just a quick thought, so maybe I'm wrong.

It seems the only bracket offered is for a "long" style a/c compressor and mine is a 1985 with the short compressor.

[bd]

Sorry... not clairvoyant....  What are you working on?  Can you post a pic?

[Fairlane514]

I took the original exhaust manifolds off of my 85 with a 350, A/C and power steering. I am going to install headers and need the bracket for my A/C and power steering.

The only bracket I can find, works on the "long" style compressor, and I have the short. 

It seems there may be a way to use the original bracket, I just need to study it some more when I get the headers installed.

[Donut]

Use the stud/bolt that came out of the manifold and shim it out with some sort of spacer.
I'm guessing it's the first bolt on number 1 cylinder?

[Fairlane514]

Yeah, its the first two bolts on number one cylinder.

[454Man]

I found out with my headers I an only use the first bolt (the one on the left if your facing them. So I'm gonna fabricate one for the ac. The header tube curves over the second bolt a little

[bake74]

     I have seen some brackets made for ac for trucks that have headers, that since you can only use the bolt out of #1, they made a bracket to use another spot in the front.  The bracket had a bent tab so it mounted on front and #1 bolt. 
     I do not know if they home made this or it is available aftermarket.  I would think it would not be that hard to do, but what ever will work for you and keep things from coming apart I would say would be fine.

[78 Chevyrado]

just use a THICK length of pipe that fits the bolt, to make up for what an exhaust manifold would would add, vs a header.  Use a THICK piece of pipe the bolt slides into easily, and thick washers that fit the bolt correctly at each end.  cut the piece of pipe to fit.

[heavychevy91]

I modified the factory one on my 86 to use with my long tube headers. I can take pics if needed.

[454Man]

I modified the factory one on my 86 to use with my long tube headers. I can take pics if needed.

pics:)

[Fairlane514]

I did use my original bracket which I modified to fit.  I ended up using the first hole on the head on #1 cylinder with a stud and the third hole on the head with a stud. I had to cut one of the "ears" off the bracket that originally went on the second threaded hole on the head to clear the front header tube. I removed the smog pump system, and  it had a piece of round steel with a slight "S" shape to it and a 3/8 hole in each end.  I used this to weld to the A/C bracket at the area where I removed the "ear" and , and bolted it to the stud I placed on the third threaded hole in the head. There is plenty of clearance for the spark  plug wires.

[heavychevy91]

I modified the factory one on my 86 to use with my long tube headers. I can take pics if needed.

pics:)

Sure thing. Ill be out working on it later. Ill try to get them up later

[mpullen66]

I used the factory bolt (stud) on the first hole. screw a nut onto the bolt, screw the bolt in the head till it bottoms then tighten the nut down against the header flange. I cut a small piece off the a/c bracket off that covered the second bolt.This will allow the a/c bracket to go over the first bolt (stud) screw another nut onto the stud and run it all the way down to wear the threads stop. put the a/c bracket on and use another nut to tighten down the a/c bracket. Then you are able to to use a header bolt on the second one.

About the same idea every else had.
I had to cut the a/c bracket cause it would not clear the header tube.
I have done this on both my 87's with no problems from a/c bracket or gaskets leaking.