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General Discussion => Buick Interchange => Topic started by: mdkd on April 20, 2012, 10:02:04 AM

Title: AirConditioner Bracket / Aluminum Valve Covers
Post by: mdkd on April 20, 2012, 10:02:04 AM: Need Advice

I currently have Air Conditioning and California Chrome Beauty kit with single 4bl Carter on my 65 GS Convertable.

If I switch to Buick Aluminum Valve Covers will I need to change my rear Air Conditioning Bracket for clearance?

If I switch to my Buick 2x4 set up will I need a different rear bracket for my Air Conditioning?

Thanks

mdkd
Title: Re: AirConditioner Bracket / Aluminum Valve Covers
Post by: nut465gs on April 20, 2012, 11:42:27 AM: Hi mdkd,

The Buick finned aluminum valve covers came with the factory dual quad option. Yes, the rear AC compressor bracket from a dual quad setup is needed to clear the aluminum valve covers when you also have the dual quad intake manifold. There is no factory rear AC bracket that clears the aluminum valve covers and also bolts in the correct location on a single four barrel carb manifold. I've seen this problem solved in different ways. One, cut the arch larger in the single carb bracket to clear the aluminum covers. Or, cut into the aluminum covers fins only just enough to clear the rear AC bracket. Or probably a combination of the two alterations. It might be best to use your chrome valve covers that came with the dress up kit.

Hmmmm. Wasn't there someone that was custom making an AC bracket just for this kind of set up? Or is that my imagination.

John
Title: Re: AirConditioner Bracket / Aluminum Valve Covers
Post by: dsags on April 20, 2012, 04:08:56 PM: John,

Sure is someone. http://www.oldbuickparts.com/catalog/up-to-1960-buick-group-heater-ac-ac-compressor-bracket-1956-1966-buick-p-18562.html (http://www.oldbuickparts.com/catalog/up-to-1960-buick-group-heater-ac-ac-compressor-bracket-1956-1966-buick-p-18562.html) It is CB566 and it is what I am using on my car. Can take a picture if someone needs it. The part is bendable so it can be made to work - that's what I did.

Dan
Title: Re: AirConditioner Bracket / Aluminum Valve Covers
Post by: mdkd on April 21, 2012, 08:19:11 AM: John and Dan

Thanks for the background and solutions.

This was more involved then I first expected.

A long time ago I had a 66 Riv GS with Buick Aluminum Valve Covers and a single 4bl.

The Valve Covers had dimples in them as pointed out in other strings on this site.

Would the 66 rear Air Cond bracket be different then the 65?

Thanks again to the friends of 65GS.
Title: Re: AirConditioner Bracket / Aluminum Valve Covers
Post by: Brian on April 22, 2012, 02:21:21 PM: There is a rear AC bracket that works with the single 4bbl. and the aluminum valve covers. All 66 Riverias had this bracket on them whether they had the stamped steel or the aluminum valve covers.
Title: Re: AirConditioner Bracket / Aluminum Valve Covers
Post by: nut465gs on April 22, 2012, 05:05:51 PM: Brian,

I did not know that. You never cease to amaze me with your knowledge of the nailheads. Time to start looking in the boneyards for '66 Rivieras.

John
Title: Re: AirConditioner Bracket / Aluminum Valve Covers
Post by: dsags on April 22, 2012, 06:31:39 PM: John,

If you find two I'll take the other one.

Brian,

Amazing.

Dan
Title: Re: AirConditioner Bracket / Aluminum Valve Covers
Post by: WkillGS on April 22, 2012, 09:14:53 PM: Quote from: Brian on April 22, 2012, 02:21:21 PM
There is a rear AC bracket that works with the single 4bbl. and the aluminum valve covers. All 66 Riverias had this bracket on them whether they had the stamped steel or the aluminum valve covers.

I got the 425 engine for my blue '66 GS from a junkyard '66 Riv GS for $75.... but that was 1978 I think. Damn, I was just a kid, but I bet I still have that AC bracket here somewhere! :icon_biggrin: