Ac compressor base help

[1930artdeco]

Ok, I got my 58-64 ac compressor base powder coated and am doing installation tests. Got the additional crank pulley installed (think I kept the engine in time), water pump pulley is installed-or it is on the shaft waiting a new spacer. Went to test fit the base plate and I cannot get the three mounting bolts to go in at once. 2 out of three but not all of them at one time. Then I noticed the problem. There is a support brace underneath the base plate that hits the PS bracket. You can see the scratches on the angle brace in the picture. Is it possible they made two different bases-with and with out PS?

So I think I know what needs to be done but I just want a second set of eyes to verify my plan. I believe I have the PS bracket installed correctly and that I need to notch the brace to clear the bracket. After that it should easy to mount the pump back to the bracket and install the belts. So am I going about this correctly?

Thanks,

Mike

[mercman from oz]

[miker98038]

I’m not sure I understand all of it, but if you’re talking about notching the center gusset on the underside, it’s probably not a problem. If it’s a small notch. There’s a fair amount of weight and vibration with the older compressors, so it’s there for a reason. But Ford over engineered a lot of stuff in those days.

It may also be there was some subtle change in the ps brackets for later models. I’ve got no experience with those.

[1930artdeco]

I am going to use a new Sanden compressor so I will cut down on the weight and vibration. I am hoping that it is going to be a small notch. I have to check, if worst comes to worst, I may have to gusset the brace.

[miker98038]

Shouldn’t be a problem, they practically hang the Sanden’s off coat hangers. If it’ll tighten enough for the belt you should be fine.

[1930artdeco]

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OK, just one more thing to modify to get to work correctly- or just work.

Mike

[Gene F]

Ok, so the compressor bracket appears to be a bit cock-eyed? Is that the question?

[1930artdeco]

I just wanted to make sure that if I cut into the angled brace I wasn't going to damage it to the point I can't use it. Or that it would break under the weight and vibration of the compressor. Basically another set of eyes. It is crooked because of the issue I have with it hitting the PS brace-that and to show people what I am working on. Made not have explained myself very well.

I think that MikeR is correct in that I can carve out a section so that it doesn't hit the bracket anymore. I think it will be sturdy enough after I put on the angled brace in the back.

Mike

[Gene F]

OK, I understand it is only cock-eyed for the purpose of the photograph. Thank you for claifying.

[Steve28]

The compressor on my 57 mounts in front of the right bank next to the battery. The generator mounts on the bottom of the compressor. Your mounting bracket looks more like one for an FE engine. Jmo. Steve

[1930artdeco]

Steve you are correct for a stock 57 AC set up. Mine was aftermarket/dealer installed and is correct for 58-64?. Since all of the holes are on the driver side I opted to stay with that set up.

[1930artdeco]

Looks like I will be pulling the base back off so that I can decide how to get one made so that I can clear the belts and adjusting bolts. Then it will go back in.

Mike

[miker98038]

I guess that means trimming the gusset didn’t do it? Or something else?

[1930artdeco]

Miker, I did trim the gusset and it fits now. However, the bracket that the pump is attached to is blocked from bolting up to main bracket that attaches to the block. The base plate vertical face sits right in front of the bracket which is where the pump bolts up.

Now, a guy responded to a post I made about this on a FB page that I am a member of. He posted a picture of the same set up on his T Bird and his pump is bolted to the front of the vertical base plate. So, it goes pump bracket, base plate and then the main bracket that is bolted to the block. So, I will check that out and see if it works. Crossing my fingers for luck....

Mike

[1930artdeco]

After talking to another 57 owner who has the set up I am copying, found out a few things I did not know about.

1) I need to use a 58/59 PS bracket set up for the Y block. I thought they would be the same but NOOOOOO Ford had to make a one off year for 57. Pump is the same, just the brackets changed.

2) I did not need to notch the brace of the compressor base plate. Oh well, it is made from battleship steel. I mean seriously, it is and will hold whatever I attach to it.

3) I will post pictures and a write up when I am done if anyone wants to emulate this set up. It is slightly easier to work on than a stock 57 AC set up.

Mike