Chevelle-ers,

I am a new '70 Chevelle owner. The previous owner removed most of the non-functional AC system and installed headers on a 350. I need to get the AC compressor brackets and braces for a driver's side compressor installation. From the research I have done so far, it appears that the brackets used for passenger side installations will work for the driver's side. I will need to install longer bolts and spacers to have the lower rear brace/bracket fit with headers.

So, what are my questions?

Has anyone put headers on a 70 Chevelle with a small block that has AC?
If so, what brackets were used?
Where might I aquire them?

Just a brief mention of my history. I had a '70 Malibu that I bought in high school and sold in '93. It had AC and a 300 hp 350 with manifolds so I remember the general layout of the AC system and the brackets. But it didn't have headers.

Thanks,

E.

E.
Welcome aboard. If you want a source for new brackets, any of the chevelle reproduction houses will have them. Try our sponsor www.396ss.com (http://www.396ss.com) or www.yearone.com (http://www.yearone.com) or any of a dozen others.

The one stock bracket which does not work with headers is replaced by this one: http://store.summitracing.com/global/images/prod/large/WLK-88304.jpg or (preferably) something similar that is a bit stronger. This piece is stamped out of sheet steel & bent. The one I got is 2 pieces of steel which are welded together. I've seen brackets similar to the above in chain parts stores.

If you are looking for used parts there will be a swap meet in Fredricksburg at the end of the month. Its getting bigger every year and you may find what you need.

Finally have you thought about an aftermarket add on system www.vintageair.com (http://www.vintageair.com) is right up the highway and they sell a pretty much bolt in system.

Good Luck with your new chevelle.

------------------
Rick
72 El Camino (http://members.home.net/jimmy4/rick1972elky.html)
TPI 350/700r4 (http://chevelles.com/showroom/ricks%20motor%20-L)

Rick,

Thanks! This is exactly what I was looking for. The car has factory AC, at least the evaporator and box are still there. The rest of the system was removed during restoration. I am not looking at Vintage Air although I have spoken with them because the factory system still exists (partially). Everything else should bolt in fine except the compressor brackets. I found Corvette Central last night that shows all the compressor brackets and are available. I might pick them up from there because they have pretty good prices. Year One and the Paddock did not have brackets.

I'll prolly go to the Fredricksburg swap meet. My Dad goes there all the time looking for stuff. He has a '68 Pontiac LeMans and a '65 El Camino. The LeMans is restored and getting a new engine and the Elky is his daily driver.

I had restored my previous Malibu and drove it for a few years before selling it so I am pretty familiar with Chevelles, especially the 70. I am rediscovering things I had forgotten and learning new stuff. My new car is a starter for my tinkering. Straight body, good paint, new interior, running, solid suspension. My plans include getting the AC working, fixing the headliner, upgrading the suspension to corner better, upgrading to an overdrive tranny and installing a floor shifter instead of the column, and finally installing a new engine with more power.

I have a '93 Formula that I have had since new and have turned it into a serious road racer. It makes good power, 350hp (dyno), turns mid to low 13s in the quarter and can sustain nearly 1g laterally. I sold my 1992 BMW Euro M5 last year. 340 hp straight six, 5-speed, very, very fast! That was an awesome car. Blew the doors off of a lot of rice-burners, a few F-bodys, and at least one Grand National. Anyway, enough non-Chevelle stuff.

Thanks for the info and I hope to participate in the group. If anyone is interested, my home page has some info and images on the Formula and M5. My new Chevelle has not arrived yet, but once it does, I'll post some images. http://www.austintx.net/echristie

Thanks,

Eric