Help! Can't Fit Factory AC with tall valve covers...
 

I am at the very end of building a 350 for my 72 truck. We are having a fitment issue with the belts. At first this was with both the AC and Altenator. We found a belt slightly longer for the alt and when the altenator is completely maxed out the belt barely works.

However we can not come up with a solution at all for the AC. Here are the pics I have. The ac compressor when rotated all the way in hits the valve cover long before I can get the stock belt to go on. If we went up belt size, I do not believe there is enough play left to pull the belt tight. What is the fix? I have roller rockers, thus the need for the raised valve covers.

Also to get to this point we have to redesign the lower bracket to get it spaced out and to "fit around the header....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v488/elks/AC3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v488/elks/AC2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v488/elks/AC1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v488/elks/ac4.jpg

Let me know what you think... Is there an aftermarket solution for the brackets with out going to a completely different system?

Re: Help! Can't Fit Factory AC with tall valve covers...
 

I put a stock AC system in my truck. When I got to the belt, I found that NAPA sells a different belt for 1971 vs. 1972. One is slightly longer than the other. I don't remember which but I know I used the longer one.

I also remember that it was a bear to get in/on the pulleys. If you're a noob at putting v-belts on, you'll never get it on putting it on the compressor after you have it on the crank and water pump. Get it on the AC first the put it on the other pulleys. I have jumped belts on with the starter but I don't recommend it and I know I didn't have to on my truck.
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Re: Help! Can't Fit Factory AC with tall valve covers...
 

In my experience I have always had trouble when trying to run tall covers and stock a. I suggest going with short covers.
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Re: Help! Can't Fit Factory AC with tall valve covers...
 

Can't and still run the roller rockers...

I will look at the belt options and see what I can find.

Re: Help! Can't Fit Factory AC with tall valve covers...
 

What rockers are you running? Most can run with the stock covers with double gaskets. That would at least get you running until you can find a long term solution.
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Re: Help! Can't Fit Factory AC with tall valve covers...
 

Any other thoughts? Just tried the stock height covers and they are just not going to work. Almost need a middle height? Or brackets that are a little longer so that a longer belt will fit and get tight?

I know others have had this issue, just want to look at a variety of options before I settle on one....