Fifties A/C

[NC-car-guy]

So the thread on homemade a/c made me google things. I know the multi-groove pulley sets for the mid fifties Buicks are hard to get, especially a 264.  Anyone used this setup? I figure you better use a high quality belt if you do.

https://www.ebay.com/i/142759246206?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&itemid=142759246206&targetid=915850255573&device=m&mktype=pla&googleloc=1021085&poi=&campaignid=10460085489&mkgroupid=109413764531&rlsatarget=pla-915850255573&abcId=2145999&merchantid=6296724&gclid=Cj0KCQjwpNr4BRDYARIsAADIx9y3dZsO1ihcRXe6KEGtqhtKn7jLHlePnjT8LwS9GIfXPDGrqvRt68caAqh1EALw_wcB

[old-tank]

4 hours ago, NC-car-guy said:

So the thread on homemade a/c made me google things. I know the multi-groove pulley sets for the mid fifties Buicks are hard to get, especially a 264.  Anyone used this setup? I figure you better use a high quality belt if you do.

https://www.ebay.com/i/142759246206?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&itemid=142759246206&targetid=915850255573&device=m&mktype=pla&googleloc=1021085&poi=&campaignid=10460085489&mkgroupid=109413764531&rlsatarget=pla-915850255573&abcId=2145999&merchantid=6296724&gclid=Cj0KCQjwpNr4BRDYARIsAADIx9y3dZsO1ihcRXe6KEGtqhtKn7jLHlePnjT8LwS9GIfXPDGrqvRt68caAqh1EALw_wcB

Never used that one, but the bracket for the 55-56 factory a/c will work with the Sanden type compressors and will work with a single belt that also drives the generator and fan, so need for a multi-groove pulley.  Wonder how many of those bracket you threw away?

[NC-car-guy]

3 minutes ago, old-tank said:

Never used that one, but the bracket for the 55-56 factory a/c will work with the Sanden type compressors and will work with a single belt that also drives the generator and fan, so need for a multi-groove pulley.  Wonder how many of those bracket you threw away?

LOL  of all the 20+ Buicks that have run through my hands, only one had factory A/C.  It didn't have the original engine though and compressor and bracket were no where to be found.  A forum member has all the other A/C parts off that car 🙂

[NC-car-guy]

6 minutes ago, old-tank said:

but the bracket for the 55-56 factory a/c will work with the Sanden type compressors and will work with a single belt that also drives the generator and fan, so need for a multi-groove pulley.  W

 

good to know

[PONTIAC1953]

can't find any postings about homemade a/c

[NC-car-guy]

2 minutes ago, pontiac1953 said:

can't find any postings about homemade a/c

 

[capgage]

This compressor, pully, and bracket stuff has been on my mind for years.  I have two cars:

 

First: A 1958 41 series (non factory AC).  Replaced the 364 (still have it with matching VIN but not rebuilt) with a rebuilt 401 with 59 factory AC setup on the engine only.  Takes an A5 Sealed compressor as bolt-in.  Will use an underdash unit.

 

Second, being built, is a 58 Century Convertible built in California no AC.  58 364 low mileage engine which I do not intent to rebuild at this point, got all the pulleys and brackets again but this time for a factory AC setup, engine only.  Will also use an underdash unit.

 

What is the best way to get a compressor into these?  What Sanden model.  I am willing to modify factory brackets.  Or fabricate.  But I don't know nor have done the research as to what Sanden to use.

 

Considered using A6.  Someone makes one which will bolt into a Cadillac as a replacement for an A5, but I don't think that would work out very well.

 

From the beginning of this journey to putting AC into these old cars, I figured I would be better starting with factory AC setups as far as the engine.  These things changed every year and there are many variables involved in getting it right.

[capgage]

Sorry guys, should be asking the vendors.

[bhemi]

Russ at Grass Valley carries them. I just bought a 3 groove pulley for my set up.I am using Vintage air but wanted stock pulleys. Russ tried to talk George out of the Tremec 6 speed into a 3 speed manual. He's hard core. 

 

http://centervilleautorepair.com/alternator

[Fr. Buick]

If anyone needs, I have factory brackets for '54.  PM me...

[Bill Stoneberg]

Quote

 

First: A 1958 41 series (non factory AC).  Replaced the 364 (still have it with matching VIN but not rebuilt) with a rebuilt 401 with 59 factory AC setup on the engine only.  Takes an A5 Sealed compressor as bolt-in.  Will use an underdash unit.

 

Second, being built, is a 58 Century Convertible built in California no AC.  58 364 low mileage engine which I do not intent to rebuild at this point, got all the pulleys and brackets again but this time for a factory AC setup, engine only.  Will also use an underdash unit.

 

What is the best way to get a compressor into these?  What Sanden model.  I am willing to modify factory brackets.  Or fabricate.  But I don't know nor have done the research as to what Sanden to use.

 

 

Capgage,

 

With the size of your car and the amount of glass in it, I would go with the Sanden Series SD-709.   It pumps 9.5 cubic inches per revolution with a maximum 6000 sustained RPM range. This is what you need on a Nailhead with the large cabin space. I am in the middle of putting the same compressor on my 60 Electra for the same reason.

 

If you want an A5 I have one from a Cadillac.  No idea if it works or how well it works. It still turns last time I checked.

Edited July 29, 2020 by Bill Stoneberg (see edit history)

[capgage]

Bill,

 

Thanks so much for sharing that.  Now I have a starting point for Sanden.  I guess I'll have to buy one and then see what mods I can do to the factory compressor brackets to make it fit.  To start with toward getting my after market AC unit to work.

 

Did your 60 use a sealed A5?  Or an A6?  If it used an A5, how does your Sanden work out with the factory AC brackets?

[Bill Stoneberg]

Quote

Did your 60 use a sealed A5?  Or an A6?  If it used an A5, how does your Sanden work out with the factory AC brackets?

 

I use a sealed A5 and a Powergen Alternator.  I am not sure how it is going to work yet, we are still getting the unit inside the car installed. 

Ask again in a month or so and I will have a much better idea.

 

Have you looked at http://centervilleautorepair.com ?  They have brackets that may fit what you need.

[RivNut]

Has anyone looked at Alan Grove Products brackets?

[Bill Stoneberg]

On 8/5/2020 at 7:54 PM, RivNut said:

Has anyone looked at Alan Grove Products brackets?

They are ugly (my opinion)  and in the case of the Electra, the PS pump will hit the shock towers.

[RivNut]

Yes, they are ugly, but Alan deals mainly with street rodders who are looking for clearance under the hood of older cars.

[bhemi]

RivNut is correct. The Allan Grove stuff tries to move all the moving parts "up and in" because of the way the nose on early cars pinch in. I wanted a clean look with lower components and we moved the brake booster to the trunk to make room. I am fitting a Vintage Air compressor, alternator, and power steering pump in a '37 Special with a 401 all while using a modified stock radiator and keep the stock 401 fan. 

[2carb40]

On 7/29/2020 at 7:56 AM, Bill Stoneberg said:

 

Capgage,

 

With the size of your car and the amount of glass in it, I would go with the Sanden Series SD-709.   It pumps 9.5 cubic inches per revolution with a maximum 6000 sustained RPM range. This is what you need on a Nailhead with the large cabin space. I am in the middle of putting the same compressor on my 60 Electra for the same reason.

 

If you want an A5 I have one from a Cadillac.  No idea if it works or how well it works. It still turns last time I checked.

What vehicles used the Sanden sd-709 ac comppresor originally?

[Bill Stoneberg]

40 minutes ago, 2carb40 said:

What vehicles used the Sanden sd-709 ac comppresor originally?

 

Don't know if any of them did.  I will buy a new one from Summit.