Cant find ac compressor brackets!! 454

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B33RRUN

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So previous owner decided he hated cool air and ripped out the compressor, lines and brackets. Ordered all new components, but cant find the correct brackets to mount the compressor. Its an 85 454 c30 with an A6 style compressor. I bought a set of brackets off evil bay that were said to work but they actually fit the older H6 compressor. Anyone have any ideas?
 

Waylon

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I have never run AC on one but I have heard all kinds of horror stories trying to locate correct brackets and pulleys for big blocks. Maybe you could change the compressor to match your new brackets? It might be easier. But then your pulleys might not line up.

I would probably try to locate a complete engine with AC and get everything off of it.
 

75gmck25

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I have a diagram in my ‘75 repair manual and it shows the A/C brackets for the A6. The setup for the big block is completely different than the SBC . They are complicated enough that it would be hard to replicate the design and fabricate new ones.

Bruce
 

bucket

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I never can remember the model names, besides the R4 and V5 because they are so distinctive looking. Whether it's an H6 or an A6, the compressor used on the mid-80's 454's was the aluminum bodied unit.

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B33RRUN

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I thought about using the bracket i got and getting the older style compressor, then i ran into the next problem. The lines that connect to the old style are different and seem to be just impossible to find.

i could convert to a modern sanden style compressor but i would have to them convert to a complete serpentine belt set up. Dont want to do that cuz I was planning on doing an LS swap but wanted ac while i was getting all that together, but seems like it is a giant pita.

i am selling the truck now for completely unrelated reasons but i already have all the ac parts so i wanted to make it work.
 
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I have the brackets and compressor from an 86. I also could not locate hoses. I had to make my own by ordering from coldhose.com I had to get an offset compressor manifold because the back of these compressors have an offset distance between the high and low sides when looking down from the top. I the used fittings and hoses from coldhose.com to connect the compressor manifold to the receiver drier and condenser. Since I was making custom hoses anyway I routed the receiver drier hose through the radiator support and inside the passenger front fender to hide it. Once the hoses were mocked up and cut I had a local ac shop make the crimps. I'll get part numbers from my order if you're interested in going this route. It wasn't cheap, but I live in a very hot climate and resell value goes way up locally if you have ac.

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Craig 85

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So previous owner decided he hated cool air and ripped out the compressor, lines and brackets. Ordered all new components, but cant find the correct brackets to mount the compressor. Its an 85 454 c30 with an A6 style compressor. I bought a set of brackets off evil bay that were said to work but they actually fit the older H6 compressor. Anyone have any ideas?

I replaced my A6 with a Sanden set up and have the complete bracket set up for a 454. 1985 is an odd year, trucks built before 1/1/85 have the A6 style set up. I'll have to dig the parts out an get a picture for you tomorrow.

Here's what I can show you. First picture is the brackets on the engine, prior to my swap. Second and third pictures are the brackets on the compressor.

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bucket

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I replaced my A6 with a Sanden set up and have the complete bracket set up for a 454. 1985 is an odd year, trucks built before 1/1/85 have the A6 style set up. I'll have to dig the parts out an get a picture for you tomorrow.

Here's what I can show you. First picture is the brackets on the engine, prior to my swap. Second and third pictures are the brackets on the compressor.

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Those look to be the same as the more common brackets in the older models?
 

Craig 85

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Those look to be the same as the more common brackets in the older models?

They are. The brackets/compressors in post #4 & 6 are for 85 1/2 and 86 trucks.
 

Craig 85

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@B33RRUN here's how my truck looks with the aftermarket brackets and a Sanden compressor. All other components are OEM. The aftermarket set up will let you run tall valve covers if you choose.

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Raider L

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@82TwoHeadlight,

I don't know about 454 A/C, but what is that cannister above the power steering pump in you engine photo? For all the dang stuff in your engine compartment it sure does look good! And it looks new to! Is it a crate motor? Stuff looks new and clean, and I see new paint on the inner fender there to the left. @Craig85, Yours does to! That cannister of yours is in the center in the above photo. It's got like a power steering res. cap on it. Is that what it is? Your system needs that much more than what the power steering pump and can has in it?
 

Craig 85

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@82TwoHeadlight,

I don't know about 454 A/C, but what is that cannister above the power steering pump in you engine photo? For all the dang stuff in your engine compartment it sure does look good! And it looks new to! Is it a crate motor? Stuff looks new and clean, and I see new paint on the inner fender there to the left. @Craig85, Yours does to! That cannister of yours is in the center in the above photo. It's got like a power steering res. cap on it. Is that what it is? Your system needs that much more than what the power steering pump and can has in it?

The canister on both trucks are for the remote reservoir for the power steering. They used them on hydro-boost trucks.
 

Turbo4whl

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The canister on both trucks are for the remote reservoir for the power steering. They used them on hydro-boost trucks.

The remote reservoir was also used on some non hydro boost trucks, where the AC compressor mount would make it difficult or impossible to fill the standard reservoir.
 

B33RRUN

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@craig85

do you want to sell the old style bracket you have? I already have all the other parts for the old style system.

thanks for all the input fellas, its been a great help
 

Craig 85

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@craig85

do you want to sell the old style bracket you have? I already have all the other parts for the old style system.

thanks for all the input fellas, its been a great help

How's $40 sound including shipping? It should fit in one of the USPS priority flat rate boxes. Just PM your address? Do you have a Zelle account? (No fees)
 

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